Overgrown Weeds Taking Over El Paso Public Spaces

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- Overgrown weeds around medians, alleys, and sidewalks are becoming more than just an eyesore in El Paso they’re now sparking safety and health concerns among residents.

Benjamin Alva, a West El Paso resident, says the weeds in his neighborhood have reached nearly five feet tall.

“Family members who suffer from allergies… it affects us,” Alva said.

City ordinance states that vegetation must be kept below 12 inches in height, whether the property is private or public. If not, it’s considered a public nuisance and can result in fines from the city.

El Paso’s Environmental Services Department says they’re working hard to stay ahead, especially during monsoon season.

“We’re not just there to pull the weeds,” a city representative told ABC-7. “We’re also maintaining the trees, the bushes, and checking the irrigation.”

Weeds can grow up to 2 to 3 inches a day. The city says it can take a week or more just to clear one mile of median.

If you see overgrown vegetation, you can report it by calling 3-1-1 or using the city’s mobile app.

With more rain in the forecast, officials say they expect the weeds to keep growing but so are their efforts to stay on top of it.