Weeds

The Top Complaint Code Enforcement Receives

- Weeds usually encompass about half of all the complaints Code Enforcement receives annually -

- Weeds are not to exceed 6" in height -
(For easy reference that's about the length of a standard U.S. currency paper bill)

- That strip between the walk area and by the curb is the responsibility of the resident -

- Weeds are not simply unsightly. They can harbor vermin and mosquitoes as well as pose a fire hazard -

Unkempt neighborhoods INVITE crime, lower property values and lower the quality of life for all within

Keeping after weeds is really simple as long as you get them early! Patrol your property weekly when we're rainy and monthly when we're not. A $15 or $20 spray container of weed killer will last a couple of years! If you can't afford that, little weeds come out easy when they're small but you might need a spade or trowel for larger ones.

This house is not in the Dodge Flower neighborhood but was on the CoT website's page on Weeds. It may not be in Dodge Flower but too many in Dodge Flower look just like it too often.

Properties that get like this are WORK and $$$ to clean up. You can not just spray and kill the weeds and say you're done with it. Remember weeds aren't to exceed 6" in height whether they're alive or dead.

Don't allow your yard to look like this! This is everything a neighborhood doesn't want and will be expensive and hard work to clean up.

This strip is all too often left weedy. This is included as part of the property that is the owner's or tenant's responsibility to keep free of weeds. This photo was grabbed off of Google street view and IS in the North Dodge neighborhood.

That strip is YOUR responsibility!

Photo credit GDNA

There's an assortment of insects and vermin Weeds can attract but 2019 brought with it a super invasion of "False Chinch Bugs". Conditions were just right for these little buggers who flourish into the thousands and specifically love the Yellow Rocket Mustard Weed that is so prevalent in Tucson and the Dodge Flower neighborhood. Once the weeds are dying, they're off migrating in search of other food and can invade your home. Apparently, they don't really do any harm but who needs this?! If you don't keep your weeds at bay or your neighbor doesn't, thousands of them might decide YOUR home is their new home.

Just another reason to keep after those weeds!

Tenants/Renters

Even if it's too late for your current lease, keep a Weeds clause in mind for future leases or if you re-negotiate the one you have.

You have the right to live in a residence with an appearance that doesn't embarrass you. Ninety-nine percent chance when you were shown the apartment, it was weed-free or you likely wouldn't have rented it.

The general rule of thumb is rented single-family homes are the responsibility of the tenant/renter while duplexes and multi-unit properties the responsibility of weeds and landscaping falls to the landlord/PM company.

So if you're living in a duplex or MU property and it's weedy, contact the landlord or PM company that you want something done. If that doesn't work, turn them in to CE and it will have to get done.

You might think about offering to purchase some weed killer and get reimbursed for it and for a nominal discount, keep the property weed free.

There's all kinds of things that you can do without taking on the physical or financial burden for all the other tenants but still live in a residence with an appealing and weed-free exterior.

Do keep weeds in mind next time you sign a lease.

Landlords/Property Management Companies

Whatever is written into the lease regarding landscaping and weeds, in the end, it is still YOUR responsibility.

Your tenants have the right to live in a property how it was presented to them. Ninety-nine percent chance, when you showed the property, it was weed free.

Even if it is a single-family property and the tenant is supposed to be doing it, if they're not, you've got to step in.

A very simple possible solution is in the section regarding landscaping and weed control (and we sure hope there is one!), is to add a sentence that if the tenant is given notice to clean up the visible exterior and doesn't, there will be a fairly steep charge to have a landscaping crew come in that will be their responsibility. They'll be sure to keep it nice.

If it's a duplex or a multi-unit property, maybe offer one of the tenants a slight rent discount and a big container of weed killer.

Get a weed company round every couple of months.

There's all kinds of options available.

Your tenants should not have to be embarrassed by the property they reside in, encourage bugs and mosquitoes to the property or be living with a potential fire hazard at their doorstep.

If you don't care about the property, neither will they.

Property Owners

Ultimately whether you reside on the property, rent it out and are the landlord or have hired a property management company, YOU are the responsible party for weeds.

Owner-occupied properties are usually well-maintained and weed free. Your property is usually your biggest asset and you're all too aware that it's much easier and cheaper to keep weeds away.

You're also going to be very aware that as properties become unsightly, neighborhoods decline and property values also decline.

Something as cheap and simple as taking care of weeds can affect your bottom line by thousands of dollars.

There's usually an inexpensive and simple solution but YOU need to make sure it gets done.