Which statement best describes when weeds and woody plants are considered pests on rights of way?

Which statement best describes when weeds and woody plants are considered pests on rights of way?

• A. They are pests only if they cause disease.
• B. They are pests if they are in the way and prevent clearance.
• C. They are pests only if they are evergreen.
• D. They are pests only if they are ornamental.

Answer: (B)

On rights of way, whether a weed or woody plant is a pest is determined by its effect on clearance, not by disease, evergreen status, or ornamental use. It’s a pest if it is in the way and prevents clearance, because it interferes with maintenance and safe access to lines and equipment. So plants that encroach into the clearance zone or block access are pests, even if they aren’t diseased, aren’t evergreen, or aren’t ornamental.

On rights of way, whether a weed or woody plant is a pest is determined by its effect on clearance, not by disease, evergreen status, or ornamental use. It’s a pest if it is in the way and prevents clearance, because it interferes with maintenance and safe access to lines and equipment. So plants that encroach into the clearance zone or block access are pests, even if they aren’t diseased, aren’t evergreen, or aren’t ornamental.