Can my city require me to remove plants beyond the state list?

Yes. Cities can regulate grass height and general nuisance vegetation, but state noxious weed mandates apply universally regardless of municipal ordinances.

Indiana Weed Ordinances Law: Statewide Landscaping Rules Rules (2026)

Q: Which weeds must I control under Indiana state law?

State-designated noxious weeds include Canada thistle, Johnson grass, shattercane, Russian thistle, and Columbus grass. County boards may add locally significant weeds.

Key Facts

Primary Statute: IC 15-16-7 and 15-16-8
Enforcement: County weed boards
Cost Recovery: Lien on property
Listed Species: Canada thistle, Johnson grass

Source: IC 15-16-7-2 Definition of Noxious Weed; Statewide Weed Control Board framework

Full Breakdown

Indiana Code 15-16-7 and 15-16-8 establish state authority over noxious weed control. Landowners are legally required to destroy designated noxious weeds including Canada thistle, Johnson grass, shattercane, Russian thistle, and Columbus grass. Local county weed control boards may enforce these state mandates, issue notices to landowners, and arrange remediation if owners fail to comply. Costs of state-ordered remediation become a lien on the property. Cities and towns retain authority over general lawn maintenance and grass height, but the noxious weed list and core enforcement framework apply uniformly statewide.

Violations & Penalties

Failure to control noxious weeds may result in county-ordered destruction at owner expense, with costs assessed as property tax lien.

Indiana Noxious Weed Control Statewide Requirements

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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