Weed Control
1.
What are the goals and objectives of the city’s weed control
program?
The city’s goal is to control weeds and grasses which
may impair traffic visibility, damage road asphalt surfaces, cause
safety issues for pedestrians, and for aesthetic purposes.
The city controls weeds with mechanical trimming which includes roadside tractor mowing, weed line trimming and a spray program for weeds on paved road surfaces.
The city has included a spray program on paved surfaces to control weeds for a number of years. Green Velvet Lawns has been awarded the contract since the program's inception.
Another objective of the program is to minimize the collection of litter and debris in weed infested areas. The City takes a leadership role in keeping our city clean. Another objective is to support the B.C. Weed Control Act to manage noxious weeds.
2. What areas are mowed
by the City?
The city maintains road shoulders in all areas
of the City of Vernon including the OK Landing and Blue Jay areas
by way of contract. The road shoulders are mowed with a tractor
equipped with a flail mower. This work is performed three times
a year. Hand line trimming is included in the program to maintain
walkways and other right of ways.
3. How
often is spray chemical applied to control weeds?
There are three applications of spray to weeds on paved streets
each year. The timing of the applications is based on the life cycle
of various weeds and grasses. Generally, the first application is
in early May, followed with the second application in June, then
August, and a manual trimming in September. A manual removal of
silt and dirt along the curbs where seeds can germinate is done
in September.
4. Which chemicals are used
in this spraying program?
Round-up (Glyphosate) is exclusively used. It is applied with a
fine-tipped applicator in the lowest possible concentrations. It
is sprayed in favorable weather conditions, ie. no rain and little
wind. Over the course of the program there has been very few occurrences
of damage to untargeted vegetation.
5. Who determines which chemicals
are applied?
It is up to the spraying contractor (at the present time, Green
Velvet Lawns). Green Velvet applies for a Pesticide Use Permit and
the Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks authorizes its use.
The products used must be approved by Ministry of Environment. The
products and concentrations are listed on the permit.
6. Are Integrated Pest Management
Principles (IPM) used and how are they being implemented?
Yes,
with a fall trimming program that involves manually trimming the
weeds, killing the weeds using radiant heat around storm drains,
and the timing of the chemical application. Future plans are to
experiment with a compressed air heat wand and for vegetation control.
7. How is this program
publicized?
The City advertises when it applies for the permit and posts the
application at the City Hall foyer for one month. We also share the information about our programs on this website.
8. How much does this spray
program cost taxpayers?
The program costs $45,000 annually. The Vegetation Control Program
includes all road shoulders, sidewalks, medians, hydrants, utility
poles, sign posts, and traffic islands within the City of Vernon
boundaries.
9. What obligations do residents
have for grass/weed control in the City?
City of Vernon Good Neighbour Bylaw # 4980,
requires property owners and residents to maintain the boulevard(s)
and lane adjacent to their property. The City does not provide this
service and does not include any funds in the budget for such work.
Most of this work involves landscape cutting, trimming, and watering
of grass on the boulevards and lanes. The City encourages property
owners and residents to maintain the boulevards for the beautification
of our city and the enjoyment of all.
For additional information, please view the Good Neighbour Bylaw # 4980 - 105Kb PDF
If you have any concerns, please call the Operations Department at 54-WORKS, 549-6757.
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