(a) To accomplish the purpose of this subtitle, the Secretary may enter any public or private land or property, vehicle, vessel or aircraft in the State to inspect, destroy, treat, or experiment with dangerously injurious plant pests. It is unlawful to deny access to, offer any resistance to, hinder, misrepresent or conceal facts from the Secretary or his agent in the performance of their duties.

(b) If the Secretary determines that any dangerously injurious plant pest can be controlled without destroying the plant, then he shall order it treated. If the person notified fails to comply with the order, the Secretary shall apply the appropriate control measures and the owner shall pay the cost. If the owner refuses to pay the cost, it shall be collected as provided in § 5-307. The Secretary may treat any suspicious plant found in dangerous proximity to those infested or infected in order to prevent dissemination.