Kentucky environmental attorney Sanders says Kentucky Department of Transportation keeps the state highway system free of noxious weeds.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews began spraying herbicides to control noxious and nuisance weeds throughout the state in March. The treatments aid in controlling the spread of undesirable plants along state highway rights of way. 

The state targets Johnson grass, giant foxtail, Canada thistle, nodding thistle, multiflora rose, black nightshade, wild cucumber and kudzu.

Left uncontrolled, noxious weeds can grow too large and restrict visibility on highways. They can also damage highway infrastructure such as pavement and embankments, and can clog ditches, causing drainage problems.

Invasive weeds often destroy the roadside turfgrass, leaving these areas vulnerable to erosion. They can also smother native plants through rapid reproduction and long-term persistence.