Rock County, WI Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Weed destruction
- Mandatory statewide duty
- Statute
- Wis. Stat. 66.0407
- Named noxious weeds
- Canada thistle, leafy spurge, bindweed
- Weed commissioner
- Wis. Stat. 66.0517
- Cost recovery
- Added to the tax roll
Summary
Wisconsin law makes destroying noxious weeds mandatory statewide: every landowner must destroy Canada thistle, leafy spurge, field bindweed and other designated weeds. Towns, villages and cities may appoint a weed commissioner who can destroy weeds and bill the cost.
A person owning, occupying or controlling land shall destroy all noxious weeds on the land. The person having immediate charge of any public lands shall destroy all noxious weeds on the lands.
Full Breakdown
Weed control in Wisconsin is a mandatory duty, not optional. Under Wis. Stat. 66.0407(3) a person owning, occupying or controlling land shall destroy all noxious weeds on the land. "Noxious weed" includes Canada thistle, leafy spurge, field bindweed, any weed designated by the DNR, and any weed a municipality or county board declares noxious. "Destroy" means killing the plants before they reach the bloom or flower stage. Under Wis. Stat. 66.0517 a town chairperson, village president or mayor may appoint a weed commissioner who, if a landowner neglects the duty, shall destroy the weeds in the most economical manner and charge the cost to the property's taxes.
Violations & Fines
If the owner neglects the duty, the weed commissioner destroys the weeds and the cost is verified, approved, and entered on the tax roll as a tax against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I legally required to control weeds in Wisconsin?
What happens if I ignore a weed notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rock County
How Rock County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Rock County to another location·View the Wisconsin landscaping rules overview
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