With hot weather and rain in Nebraska it can be difficult to keep up with the weeds.
An old saying says “one person’s weed is another person’s flower.” Some people interpret this as a statement on perspectives and values.
But to states, counties, and municipalities, the matter is much less prosaic.
In Omaha, if grass and weeds reach a height of 12 inches or more, residents are fined:
- For the first violation, $75.00
- For the second violation at the same location, $150.00
- For the third violation and each subsequent violation thereafter at the same location, except as provided hereinbelow, a penalty in the sum of $300.00.
- In the event a violation occurs within 24 months of two prior violations at the same location, the penalty shall be $500.00.
In addition, the city will assess the homeowner for the costs of mowing if necessary.
In rural areas, weed control is serious business.
The State of Nebraska currently has a list of 13 noxious weeds: Canada Thistle, Purple Loosestrife, Plumeless Thistle, Saltcedar, Musk Thistle, Phragmites, Spotted Knapweed, Japanese Knotweed, Diffuse Knapweed, Bohemian Knotweed, Leafy Spurge, Giant Knotweed and Sericea lespedeza.
These “most (un)wanted” plants can cost millions of dollars to agriculture, and their eradication is to everyone’s benefit.
For more on weed control, see the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Noxious Weeds site, and the Nebraska Weed Control Association.
