Urban Weeds
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Weeds are a serious problem in urban areas.
They smother and kill native plants that wildlife depends on.
- Though some invasive plants became popular as landscape plants because they grow quickly and adapt to many conditions, those same traits mean they can take over yards and natural areas.
- Some weeds are so aggressive that they damage property; others increase erosion by killing deep-rooted plants holding the soil. Invasive plants degrade habitat and are a major cause of global biodiversity loss.
- Weeds cost governments and landowners millions of dollars every year, but many can be controlled inexpensively and without harm to the environment if they are caught early. We can help you determine the best solution for managing weeds on your property.
- Please note: EMSWCD is non-regulatory and has no enforcement authority. We can only provide control services for certain weeds, and only in rural areas, through our Early Detection and Rapid Response program.
Urban Weed Fact Sheets
Learn about common and high-priority weeds and how to control them without harmful chemicals.
These helpful guides are available in English and Spanish. Descargue a estos guías útiles – ¡disponible en español y inglés!
Where Can I Learn More?
Solve Weed and Pest Problems
Explore Oregon State University’s effective, low-risk solutions for Pacific Northwest pests and weeds.
Learn how to identify and remove weeds, or check out a workshop!
View our Urban Weeds Presentation, a basic overview of many common weeds and removal methods.
Attend a live workshop, or view a recording of our free Urban Weeds Workshop.
Visit Solve Pest Problems – Oregon State University’s effective, low-risk solutions for Pacific Northwest pests and weeds.
More resources:
- Tree of Heaven fact sheet from the 4-County Cooperative Weed Management Area.
- BES Weed Identification Guide – A great visual guide to 31 commonly occurring urban weeds to watch out for, from Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services. Photos of early, mature and flowering stages, and whether to pull up or dig out each weed.
- Portland Plant List – A comprehensive resource for both native and invasive plants, from the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.
- GardenSmart Oregon: A Guide to Non-Invasive Plants – A helpful guide to avoiding invasive plants while choosing alternative native and ornamental plants.
Have a question about urban weeds?
Contact Whitney Bailey, Senior Urban Conservationist:
