Stearns County Roadside Spraying Begins in May, Landowners Can Opt Out

(KNSI) – Stearns County will start its annual weed killer campaign to manage roadside vegetation along all county highways beginning in May.

Crews will cut and treat unwanted brush and noxious weeds with herbicide, with the goal of clearing sight lines and promoting grass cover along the roadside. Officials say brush along county roads blocks a driver’s visibility, obstructs road signs, and cuts down on reaction time when wildlife crosses the road. The county says brush also traps water along the roadbed, clogs ditches, and can damage county equipment.

During spraying, crews will work to avoid sensitive areas next to the right-of-way, including tree plantations, ornamental plantings, crops, gardens, front yards, lakes, and streams.

Landowners with property next to county roads have the right to opt out and use alternative methods, such as mowing. To do so, property owners need to take three steps:

First, fill out a Spraying Exemption Form and return it to the Stearns County Highway Department at PO Box 246, St. Cloud, MN 56387-0246.

Second, post “Do Not Spray” signs on the backslope at the beginning and end of the area before May 15th.

Third, remove the brush and noxious weeds within that area by June 15th, 2026, and continue to maintain it. If the vegetation is not cleared, crews will treat the area as part of the regular program.

Property owners with questions can call the Stearns County Highway Department at 320-255-6180.

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