I hope not. It's not right to allow noxious weeds to get so tall or to go to seed. In fact, thistle is one of a few legally classified noxious weeds in Illinois, so unmowed properties like this one in Montgomery along Route 30 are in violation of Illinois state law. Maybe you have an unmowed property with tall, noxious weeds like this near you. I hope not!

If you find thistle weeds popping up in your flower beds and lawn, well this is one of the reasons why. I'd like to see weed, construction debris and construction dirt pile ordinances enforced more thoroughly throughout Montgomery. Even if this lot is not legally part of Montgomery, it is certainly adjacent to Montgomery property owners on all sides and its weeds should be managed. Even more disgusting, while taking this photo I found the remains of a deer carcass that had been drug into these weeds to be eaten by some animal, probably coyotes. This we do not need in Montgomery! Did you know thistle seeds can remain in the soil for 10 years or more waiting for a chance to germinate?

What's an example of a construction dirt pile violation? Check out the unkempt dirt pile just east of the new Montgomery Police Department. Impossible to mow; an eyesore for residents. And, I believe, non-compliant with Montgomery's own land development ordinances.

As your Trustee, I promise to take situations like this seriously to protect our property owners and those with allergies!

Thistle Factoids: Did you know that thistle seeds remain viable in the soil for 10 years or more? Each thistle plant that does germinate can produce 1,000 seeds. 40 of those seeds will germinate and 10 of those will survive to each bear another 10,000 thistle seeds!