Notice: Spray notification to apply Snapshot in street medians on F Street and Pole Line Road.
This application is due to the vast number of invasive weeds that are growing in street scape planters and medians. String trimming is utilized when the weeds have already emerged and have become both an aesthetic and safety issue, however trimmers throw debris and rocks when in use, which endangers individuals and their property in these high volume throughways of the City. Additionally, the current practices of trimming and mulching serve only to perpetuate the issue, as they create conducive conditions for weed growth. 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. The mulch provides a protective layer and moisture that enables germination of the newly spread seeds, and this creates a larger area of weed material in the planters. The high weeds block the visibility of vehicular traffic when coming onto the roadways, and this increases the chances of vehicular and pedestrian accidents. The spraying will take place during operational hours as conditions and time permit between June 14-17, 2022.
Locations to spray: Street medians on F Street and Pole Line Road.
Target Pest: Various broadleaf weeds and annual grasses.
Methods Used and Strategies to Prevent Future Use: As previously stated, crews have completed mechanical controls (string trimmers and hand pulling) in the medians in an attempt to eradicate weeds. Additionally, cultural controls (landscape fabric, direct irrigation) have been extensively utilized though weeds still push through in spite of irrigation reductions and limited watering sources. Unfortunately, there are no other methods that can be utilized in these specific areas to mitigate invasive weeds at this time; however, staff will continue to use cultural methods of control so that these areas do not need to be sprayed annually, as well as, research new developments in order to provide the safest and least environmentally invasive solutions.
More information on the IPM Program, including the current Policies and Procedures guidance, can be found on the city's webpage: Integrated Pest Management
