The lawyer warned about the risk of seizure of land for hogweed on the site

Irina Zuj, a member of the Moscow Regional Bar Association and an expert in the field of property protection, warned that starting from March 1, penalties for hogweed in suburban areas, including land seizures, are coming.

In conversation with aif.ru On February 9, she noted that from March 1, 2026, amendments will come into force to tighten responsibility for the presence of Sosnovsky hogweed and other invasive plants on land. According to her, Federal Law No. 294-FZ of July 31, 2025 introduces a clear step—by-step system of sanctions for all landowners, from mandatory orders to the possible seizure of real estate in case of malicious violations.

She clarified that if the owner of the site where the hogweed was detected does not respond to the order within 30 days, he faces a fine of up to 50 thousand rubles. At the same time, for owners who have not appeared on the land for years and systematically ignore the demands of the authorities, the law provides for an extreme measure — the forced seizure of the site.

Zuj also explained that the new amendments apply to all categories of land, not just agricultural land.

Sosnovsky's hogweed: what is dangerous, how to remove burns and how to deal with AI

How does hogweed spread and how to protect yourself from it

Earlier on February 10, in an interview with RT, Elena Busygina, head of the Department of Reproduction and Protection of Forests of the Federal Forestry Agency, said that Sosnovsky hogweed and ash-leaved maple were included in the list of invasive plants. Maple in the growing areas displaces the main forest-forming species and sharply reduces biodiversity. Hogweed poses a direct threat to humans, causing severe burns upon contact.

In January, Nikita Chaplin, a State Duma deputy and chairman of the Union of Summer Residents of the Moscow region, shared recommendations on preparing for the summer cottage season. In particular, he stressed that the traditional planting dates for tomatoes, peppers and eggplants fall on February and March. The specialist recalled that the requirements for the mandatory destruction of dangerous plants, such as Sosnovsky hogweed, on all land plots have entered into force. 360.ru .

Chaplin warned that in Russia, summer residents are required to combat the spread of dangerous weeds, otherwise they will be fined. According to him, individuals can be fined from 20,000 to 50,000 rubles in case of inaction.

In August last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law obliging citizens to fight hogweed and other dangerous plants on their land, the NSN reminds. It comes into force on March 1.

Previously Pravda.Ru, referring to experts, wrote that mowing, burning, herbicide treatment and plowing of the soil are used to curb the spread of hogweed. At the same time, it is necessary to strictly observe precautions and protect the skin to avoid burns and further spread of the plant.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.