Spring has sprung and everyone is making their way outside to work on the yard, and Benton PUD encourages you to keep an eye out for "weed trees" on your property. 

What is a Weed Tree?

Weed trees are a species of trees with high seed germination rates, meaning they grow rapidly and colonize quickly. The issue with these trees is that they become very invasive to your property, but can also pose a risk to utility lines and cause problems with equipment. 

How Can You Keep Weed Trees at Bay?

Luckily, you can manage the presence or weed trees on your property. The key is pulling them out of your yard early. If you pull them from your yard while they're a small seedling, you can save a lot of time and effort in the long run. If left untreated, you may need a professional to come and do expensive tree work to remove them. 

What are some weed trees in our area?

Mulberry


Russian olive


Siberian elm


Tree of Heaven


Cottonwood.    


---

Benton PUD encourages our customers to always practice safety near utility equipment. If you have any questions about pruning trees and/or planting the right trees near utility poles and lines, checkout Benton PUD's Tree Program at BentonPUD.org/TreeProgram.

If you are planting trees near or under powerlines, visit Benton PUD's office in Kennewick to see several types of power line-friendly trees.