Weed Control

Weed Control

Weeds and other vegetation like to make their home along roadsides.  There are a number of reasons to control roadside vegetation: motorist safety, to maintain sight lines, proper drainage, prevention of road surface erosion, as well as preventing the spread of invasive species onto adjacent properties.  Some toxic weeds can grow in areas where humans are working or enjoying recreational activities.  Serious burns and rashes due to human skin coming in contact with these weeds, as well as vision loss, are just a couple of health risks associated with toxic weeds.

It is essential that vegetation does not block traffic signs and hazard markers.  Vegetation can obstruct driver vision at intersections and block the line of sight around curves and obstruct the view of oncoming wildlife crossing the road, therefore vegetation must be treated and controlled.  Roadside delineators and traffic signs being visible are crucial to ensure motorist safety.

The Town of Amherstburg has an integrated pest management program for managing noxious weeds along the rural roads.  The Town maintains roadsides by mechanical cutting with disc and boom mowers together with the spraying herbicides.  The cutting of the roadsides may reduce the amount of herbicides required by the spray contractor which results in reduced impact to the environment.

What is a Noxious Weed

The Province has currently classified 25 species of weeds as noxious. 

To view the current Noxious Weeds list click on Noxious Weeds.

To view pictures of the list of noxious weeds and other Ontario weeds click on Ontario Weed Gallery.

For more answers to other frequently asked questions you can also refer to the Ministry of Agriculture & Food's Frequently Asked Questions and the Weed Control Act. 

2021 Roadside Spraying

Vegetation control along the Town’s Rural roadsides is an important part of road maintenance. It ensures clear sight lines for signs, intersections and roadside wildlife, promotes drainage and prevents the establishment of trees and brush in the right of way. Controlling noxious and invasive weeds is another objective of the Town’s vegetation management program.

A public notice of this pesticide use will be advertised in the local paper.

Public Notice - Roadside Pesticide Use – to view the Public Notice for roadside pesticide use click here.

Property owners who do not want the unmaintained ditch in front of their property sprayed can post “No Spray” signs at the start and finish of their property. These signs must be at least 30cm x 60cm (1ft x 2ft) and be easily read from the shoulder of the road.

Commencing on May 17, 2021 weather permitting and ending June 22, 2021.

Map of Proposed Spray Locations – to view the map of proposed spray locations click here.

For more information call collect:

2021 Municipal Sidewalk Weed Control Program

Public Notice - Pending approval

If you have any questions regarding the Town's weed control programs please contact: