Fueled by winter rains, the annual spring onslaught of weeds is well under way. The beautiful green grasses and weeds quickly dry out as soon as temperatures rise. Unabated weeds can harbor rodents and pose a fire hazard as well as being a blight for neighboring properties.

The Fire Department urges residents to survey their property and clear any dried vegetation that could pose a hazard. Weeds can be cut, pulled or mowed. Sprays are also available that can be applied during the early spring to prevent the weeds from growing. If your property is considered a burrowing owl habitat and there are owls inhabiting your property, care must be taken not to disturb the nesting sites since law protects the owls. The preferred and recommended method for abating weeds on properties that contain burrowing owls is mowing since this has the least impact on the owls.

The City of Santa Clara participates in the Santa Clara County Weed Abatement Program, managed by the Santa Clara County Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency. For more information regarding the program, please visit the Santa Clara County Website. You may also report a hazard online, or contact them by phone at 408-282-3145.

If you have further questions, you may contact the City of Santa Clara Fire Department's Community Risk Reduction Division at 408-615-4970.