Preventing and controlling weeds

Preventing and controlling weeds is an important part of building healthy-looking communities that everyone can enjoy. Private property owners must control the growth of noxious weeds and must destroy any prohibited noxious weeds on their property as regulated by the Weed Control Act S.A. 2008, c. W-5.1 and the Community Standards Bylaw.

Important links:

Prevent weeds and maintain a healthy lawn

  • Ensure you have 15-29 cm of loam to establish a lawn. Aerating and top-dressing with a loam/sand mix can improve soil surface.
  • Water your lawn every 7-10 days with 2.5-3 cm of water, adjusting based on weather conditions.
  • Keep grass height at 4-5 cm.
  • Aerate your lawn in the fall or spring.
  • Apply fertilizer to a growing lawn to improve color, root growth, and resistance to disease and weeds.

To control weeds

  • Mow, hand pull, or hoe weeds.
  • Seek advice from a gardening expert.
  • If the weed problem is severe, consider using herbicides, but consult experts first for safe usage instructions.

Common weeds in Calgary

Below is a list of the most common noxious and prohibited weeds in Calgary. Follow the links for information to help you identify and control each week. A complete list of plants that are designated as prohibited noxious and noxious can be found in the Weed Control Regulation. We strongly suggest Calgarians consult the list prior to purchasing plants.

Blueweed
Canada thistle
Common tansy
Diffuse knapweed
Leafy spurge
Nodding thistle
Lythraceae
Scentless chamomile
Spotted knapweed
Toadflax​​​​​​​

Filing a complaint

If you know of a weed infraction and would like to report it, please call 311 (from within Calgary) or 403-268-CITY (2489) (from outside Calgary) or use the 311 app or: 

Submit a weed complaint


To help us respond faster, please be ready with the following information:

  • Your name and address
  • A primary and alternate phone number
  • The address and exact location of the property for which you wish to register a complaint
  • A brief and concise description of the complaint

This information will remain confidential. No anonymous complaints will be accepted - you must identify yourself with the 311 service representative.

When reporting on the 311 app, users are encouraged to add photos to assist the investigating officer.

Learn more about filing a bylaw complaint and the process.

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