It is offering property inspections, practical advice and factsheets to help landowners tackle weed problems and avoid fines under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.

Alex Burgess, the council's environmental officer for noxious weed management, said now was the best time to get rid of weeds before they spread.

``We're currently co-ordinating weed-management programs,'' he said. ``We want landholders take control before weeds begin to seed.

``We also want to ensure landowners are complying with their obligations under the Noxious Weeds Act.''

The council has an inspection and advisory service to provide on-site or phone advice on specific weed problems.

Noxious weeds such as blackberry, Patterson's Curse, Chilean needlegrass and serrated tussock spread quickly at this time of year.

The council is working to control noxious weeds on its own properties and roadsides.

Wollondilly Mayor Col Mitchell said weeds were always a problem in rural areas.

``They lessen property values, can affect people's health and they out-compete native vegetation,'' he said.

``As a rural-property owner myself I know how important it is to keep on top of weeds or they quickly build up and cost a lot more to control once they have a foothold.''

Details, factsheets: wollondilly.nsw .gov.au or 46778277.