St. Louis County is using a $15,000 state grant to help get rid of noxious weeds like invasive knotweed and wild parsnip.

The invasive knotweed can be a big problem for homeowners, because it can do damage to your foundation.

Amy Smallwood has a very large knotweed growth on her property in Rice Lake. She moved here just over a year ago, and said it’s doubled in size since then. “It’s coming towards my septic system, which could ruin it,” she shared.

She did some research and found out the county was offering help to get rid of it. The county has contracted with Prairie Restorations to spray affected areas with herbicide. They came to the house last week, at no cost to her.

Kris Sweep in Hibbing also had treatment on the plant he and his wife have been battling since they bought their house in 2016.

“We’ve been pulling it out, cutting it down, and putting vinegar on it. But it’s just such a strong weed,” he said. “And it’s so close to our house, we don’t want damage.”

He’s grateful for the county’s help in getting Prairie Restorations to spray.

Smallwood is too. “If we all work to eradicate it from our area, that will help keep it from spreading,” she said.

Anyone who believes they have Invasive Knotweed or Wild Parsnip growing on their property is encouraged to contact Environmental Engineer Carol Andrews at 218-625-3862 or andrewsc@stlouiscountymn.gov.