The City-wide Integrated Pest Management Plan regarding the use of herbicides and pesticides is in the process of being updated.

Read the Information on Maintenance of Weeds, Ditches and Culverts in the City Right-of-Way - PDF file

Landscape hotline:  928-203-5101 

Mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illness:  Download a one-page PDF document on environmental management of West Nile virus and Zika virus.

Invasive plants

Tree-of-Heaven: This very long-lived tree is a prolific seed producer. It sprouts and re-sprouts from roots and cut stumps, aggressively competes with nearby plants, and has toxic (allelopathic) properties that prevent other plants from growing. Tree-of-Heaven — Northern Arizona Invasive Plants

Siberian Elm: Large, dangerous limbs on older trees can easily break off and seriously damage properties or injure people. It is susceptible to many diseases (not Dutch-elm disease), insects, and growth disorders. Siberian Elm — Northern Arizona Invasive Plants

Diffuse Knapweed: This plant is a prolific seed producer. It can quickly take over both disturbed and managed areas, outcompeting native species and reducing plant diversity and wildlife habitat. It also contains allelopathic (toxic) chemicals that suppress the growth of nearby native vegetation. Diffuse Knapweed — Northern Arizona Invasive Plants

Goathead Knapweed: This plant easily outcompetes native plants, resulting in dense monocultures and a reduction in native plant diversity very important to wildlife and pollinators. The seeds germinate quickly and can lie dormant in the soil for many years, prolonging the life of an established population. Sharp burrs cause serious injury to people, pets, wildlife, bicycle and vehicle tires, and livestock, and are easily spread by vehicles, pedestrians, and animals, resulting in even larger populations. Goathead — Northern Arizona Invasive Plants

Buffelgrass: Native to Africa, this species was introduced into the U.S. in the 1930s as livestock forage and for erosion control. Over the years it has proliferated and become common in Arizona. Buffelgrass prefers sandy soils and arid climates. If allowed to grow unchecked, it can rapidly cover large areas resulting in suppression of desirable plants and can creates a potential grass fire hazard.

Although though Sedona is on the northern boundary of the Buffelgrass range and above the desired elevation, isolated areas of Buffelgrass plants have been found within the city limits. Small areas are easy to control with spot treatments of Roundup and/or manually removing, bagging, and disposing of individual plants. 

Get more information at Desert Museum Buffelgrass and watch a buffelgrass fire video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQtIVzSrqZY.

Onion Weed: This is another species native to Africa and the Mediterranean/Western European regions that has recently spread to Australia and North America. It is not a true onion, but the leaves are very similar in appearance. Onion Weed does not invade well-established lawns but is an issue in newly disturbed construction areas or roadside right-of-ways. If allowed to prosper it produces large amounts of seeds and can out compete desirable plant species.

The city has worked with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Protection Service to identify and control infestations. Manual removal of individual plants and/or applications of Roundup herbicide are the preferred methods of control.

For questions, or to report concerns regarding sightings of any invasive species, contact Ryan Hayes, Maintenance Supervisor, 928-203-5063.