Crews to begin treating for noxious weeds

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Drivers around the state need to be on the lookout for crews taking down weeds along the highways.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews will begin treating for noxious and nuisance weeds throughout the state this month.

Crews will target Johnson grass, giant foxtail, Canada thistle, nodding thistle, common teasel, multiflora rose, amur honeysuckle, poison hemlock, marestail, Japanese knotweed and kudzu.

The cabinet says left uncontrolled, the weeds can make it difficult for drivers to see.

They can also damage pavement and embankments and clog ditches, causing drainage problems.

The weeds can also invade and destroy the roadside turf grass, causing erosion.

They also smother native plants by growing rapidly.

Motorists are reminded to use extra caution when crews spraying for weeds are out on the roadways.