Tumbleweed Invasion in Suburban Salt Lake City
Tumbleweeds blanket homes and streets in suburban Salt Lake City due to heavy winds, causing inconvenience but no harm. Occurrences are due to seasonal weather, death cycle of plants, and strong gusts. Tumbleweeds native to Russia introduced to U.S. as contaminants. Cleanup efforts underway.
Key Points
- Tumbleweeds from southeastern Russia and western Siberia introduced to U.S. as contaminants
- Plants die and detach from roots due to dry soil, then moved by wind
- Tumbleweed swarms due to combination of seasonal weather and strong gusts
Pros
- No reported damage despite inconvenience caused by tumbleweeds
- Cleanup efforts are effective in removing tumbleweeds
Cons
- Inconvenience caused by blocked streets and homes