(a) Whenever the inspection discloses that any places, plants, plant products, or things and substances used or connected therewith, are infested or infected with any insect pest, disease, or noxious weed, listed, as required by § 2-16-207 in rules made under this subchapter, written notice thereof shall be given the owner or other person in possession or control of the place where found, and the owner or other person shall proceed to control, eradicate, or prevent the dissemination of the insect pest, disease, or noxious weed. The owner shall then remove, cut, or destroy infested or infected plants and plant products or things and substances used or connected therewith, within the time and in the manner prescribed by the notice or the rules made under this subchapter.
(b) Whenever the owner or other person cannot be found or shall fail, neglect, or refuse to obey the requirements of the notice and the rules made under this subchapter, the requirements shall be carried out by the inspector or other employees of the State Plant Board. The board shall have and enforce a lien for the expenses thereof against the place in which or upon which the expenses were incurred in the same manner as liens are had and enforced upon buildings, lots, wharves, and piers for labor and materials furnished by virtue of contract with the owner.