Vegetation

Crew Working With Fallen Branches Near Rural Road

Properly maintained roadsides are important for the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

Pierce County's roadside vegetation management work helps keep our roadways clear of obstructions, reduces fire danger, optimizes storm water drainage, helps control noxious weeds and non-native plants, and promotes native plant growth.

During the spring and summer, crews mow, cut brush and trim trees along roads. Crews also clear fallen trees and branches during and following inclement weather such as windstorms.

An initial application of herbicides to combat weeds along road shoulders typically starts in late March, and continues through June. Targeted noxious weeds and brush control applications typically occur through the end of November as needed. Only federal - and state-approved herbicides are used.

Owner Will Maintain agreements

Property owners who do not want roadsides adjacent to their properties sprayed can sign an "Owner Will Maintain" agreement with Pierce County. Under this agreement, the property owner agrees to maintain the vegetation. Learn more about this agreement by viewing the Owner Maintain Program page.

Landscaping along county roads

Our roadways need to be clear of vegetation and landscaping that obstructs the views of motorists and pedestrians. They also need to be clear of obstructions that impede or impair our ability to maintain the road.

If you are landscaping near the edge of a roadway, please be aware of the right-of-way. Landscaping should not encroach into ditches, shoulders or the travel way.

If you are unsure where the right-of-way is located, you may contact a licensed land surveyor. You may also view this graphic to help you get a general idea of where the right-of-way boundary typically falls and what features the right-of-way typically includes.

Road Alerts
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Phone: (253) 798-6000
Monday–Friday
7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Address:
4812 196th St. E
Spanaway, WA 98387