Proposed dates of application: December 14 to December 22, 2023, as weather conditions and time permit.

Site Name/ Street Address: Playfields Park – 2500 Research Park Drive

Detailed Location of Application: Softball field turf areas, and clay warning tracks and foul territory.

Posting and Notification: A posted site notice and E-notification of 72 hours will be given before the application.  No applications will be in the vicinity of playgrounds, schools or picnic areas. The fields will be closed to public access for the duration of the application period.

Pesticide Products:
Turf Areas: Award Turf Fertilizer w/ Trimec Herbicide - Dimethylamine Salt (Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid 1.04%; Proplonic Acid 0.23%; Dichloro-o-anisic acid 0.109%)
EPA Reg # - 2217-561-5713
Pesticide type – Broad leaf selective herbicide
City Hazard Rank – Tier 1, most hazardous, most restricted

Clay field areas: Snapshot –  Trifluralin: α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine 2.0%; Isoxaben: N-[3-(1-ethyl-1-methyl-propyl)-5-isoxazolyl]-2,6-dimethoxy-benzamide and isomers 0.5%
EPA Reg # - 62719-175
Pesticide Type – Pre-emergent broad spectrum herbicide
City Hazard Rank – Tier 1, most hazardous, most restricted

Target Pests: Various broadleaf weeds and annual grasses.

Justification for Use: The turf areas and clay surfaces for the playing fields are infested with weed species that create an aesthetically unpleasing and unsafe condition for the players who will use them. Playfields staff have attempted cultural means of abatement, but the viability of the seed, even when hand-pilled at the root, only serves to spread the issue to additional areas of the turf. The weeds present an unsafe condition for users that will only get worse without the proposed application. This application will help achieve a long-term control of weeds at Playfields, and will enable staff to use cultural and mechanical methods for abatement as undesirables resurface later in the year, as they will inevitably do, due to the proximity of the turf areas to the surrounding landscape and open field areas with viable seed sources.

Both proposed herbicides are considered more toxic herbicide due to their potential impact on aquatic life. The product will be applied according to label instructions and in a manner that prevents over spray into adjacent hardscaping or road gutters.

Explanation of IPM Methods Used: As previously stated, crews have used mechanical controls (ex. string trimmers, steaming, and hand pulling) in the warning tracks and foul areas in an attempt to eradicate the weeds. String trimming is utilized when the weeds are already tall and have become both an aesthetic and safety issue. Steaming has been tested during early growth, but found to be ineffective at controlling perennial weed species.

String trimmers throw debris and rocks when in use, which creates the need to refill the areas with more clay mix and also creates more labor to groom the areas so that they can be safe for play. Additionally, trimming disturbs the clay leading to additional weed seed germination. As the weeds are trimmed, their seeded remains are spread throughout the area. Even when they are cleared by raking, the seeds remain embedded in the soils. Steaming was tested as a less hazardous alternative to string trimming, but regrowth and new growth were observed within weeks post treatment.

This proposed application is part of our overall integrated pest management of the sites. We currently heavily rely on non-chemical control measures at the majority of our rights-of-way including mowing, trimming, hoeing and hand pulling where and when appropriate.

Strategies to Prevent Future Applications: This application is proposed because of the size of the infestation and need to control these weeds quickly, before another year of seed is dispersed. After this application, staff will be better positioned to manage conditions with non-chemical means going forward. Over seeding and topdressing will play a large role in overcoming the unwanted grasses and weeds throughout the turf areas. Options such as soil binders for the clay surfaces, are being explored, but may not be a viable option for weed suppression.

More information on the IPM Program, including the current Policies and Procedures guidance, can be found on the City's webpage: Integrated Pest Management