Whatcom County Public Works has begun its annual Road Shoulder Herbicide Program, a seasonal maintenance effort that treats roughly 250 miles of county roads each spring to manage vegetation that causes drainage problems and accelerates pavement damage.
The program applies herbicide to a strip along road shoulders to suppress grasses and weeds that encroach on road edges, blocking drainage channels and contributing to pavement edge deterioration. A minimum 12-inch-wide strip along lawns and yard areas adjoining county right-of-way may be treated as part of the work.
Property owners who prefer not to have the herbicide applied adjacent to their land have an option. Agreements allowing property owners to maintain the right-of-way abutting their property can be signed at the Whatcom County Public Works Maintenance and Operations office at 901 West Smith Road in Bellingham. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. "Owner Will Maintain" signs are also available at that location at no cost.
The road shoulder herbicide program is a standard practice among county road departments across Washington State. Unmanaged vegetation along road shoulders can trap moisture against pavement edges, accelerating the freeze-thaw cycle that causes cracking and pothole formation. Drainage culverts and ditches blocked by vegetation overflow during rain events, which can undermine road subgrade and lead to costly repairs. The annual herbicide treatment is a cost-effective way to extend pavement life between resurfacing cycles.
Residents who notice herbicide application equipment on county roads over the coming weeks should be aware that crews may be working along their street as part of this program. Signage is typically posted to indicate active treatment areas.
Property owners with gardens, orchards, or sensitive plantings close to the road edge who want to opt out should contact the Public Works office promptly, as crews may reach their area before a late request can be processed.
For questions about the program, contact Whatcom County Public Works at 901 West Smith Road, Bellingham. More information is available through the Whatcom County website. The Bellingham Herald has also covered the program in past years for additional background.
