Lanark County controls noxious weeds and invasive plants on roadsides and trails between the edge of the gravel to the property line. We control weeds within our rights-of-ways to:

  • protect valued conservation areas from invasive plants;
  • stop the spread of noxious and invasive weeds to private property and farmland;
  • protect the health and safety of anyone who may need to enter the right-of-way; and
  • maintain habitat for pollinators on our rights-of-ways.

Weed inspector

Darren Umpherson, Weed Inspector for Lanark County, is appointed by By-Law to carry out and perform the duties required under the Weed Control Act. The Weed Inspector performs inspections and enforces complaints about nuisance weeds affecting agricultural and horticultural lands.

The purpose of the Weed Control Act is to reduce:

  • noxious weeds for farmers;
  • diseases spread by noxious weeds to crops; and
  • health hazards for livestock and people.

If you require further information or wish to initiate an inspection by the Weed Inspector, please contact our business office at 613-267-1353.

Wild parsnip control

Wild parsnip is a noxious weed that damages crops, and is a health risk for people, livestock and horses because the sap can cause severe burning and blistering when exposed to the sun. Wild parsnip grows well in disturbed areas and can be found on most of Lanark County’s roadsides and trails.

To control wild parsnip, we follow the principals outlined in our Integrated Vegetation Management Plan and apply the control method based on the infestation levels. Generally:

  • Very light infestations are dug by hand.
  • Light, medium, and heavy infestations are targeted spot sprayed.

Spraying

We use ClearView to control wild parsnip and we hire fully licensed contractors to spray in areas we identify during our wild parsnip inventory.

We do not spray:

  • Roadside ditches maintained by property owners
  • At mailboxes or whenever a pedestrian is nearby

Notices and spray locations

Public Notice - Pesticide Use 2024
Notice to Resident and Property Owners Regarding Noxious Weeds
Roads Sprayed Daily 2024
Road Spraying Map 2024

No spray options

If you do not want roadside spraying next to your property you have three options to submit to Lanark County Public Works department before May 24, 2024:

Adopt-a-road agreement

A program where groups (minimum 3 individuals) can enter into an agreement with Lanark County to complete various vegetation management activities.

No spray agreement

 An agreement between the County and a landowner (occupant) who takes alternative vegetation control actions to control noxious weeds within the road allowance adjacent to their lands, and the County does not spray.

Request for no spraying due to extenuating circumstances agreement

If neither of the above options are feasible, landowner (occupant) should utilize this request.

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