With New Mexico water, comes New Mexico weeds

For the first time in nearly two decades, the state of New Mexico is no longer in a drought.

The United States Drought Monitor indicates that New Mexico totally free of drought for the first time since 1999.

However, the increased rain also means that weeds in the Land of Enchantment are growing out of control.

“I cut them down and they grow back like wildfire,” said Damacio Bernal, a Las Cruces resident. “I guess you could say the rain hasn’t been so much fun.”

“It’s kind of a good news/bad news situation,” said Dan Trujillo, a spokesman for the city of Las Cruces. “The good news: We’re out of the drought situation we’ve been in for years and years, our lands are moist, we have a lot of vegetation coming in.”

Trujillo said codes enforcement officers have received numerous calls this summer.

“(The rain is) good for our plants and trees, but of course it’s bad because we have weeds,” Trujillo said.

“The weeds are just outrageous with the wind, with the rain and stuff, you know?” said Jimmy Maestas, a Las Cruces resident. “People need to keep their yards clean,” he said with a chuckle.

Rafael Garcia, another Las Cruces resident, agrees.

“There’s too many weeds around here,” Garcia said. “Every time it rains, it gets worse and worse.”

Trujillo said while residents may be overwhelmed, it’s important to maintain their properties.

“We understand that the weeds are there, but they need to be pulled,” Trujillo said.