Suggestions for creating a
successful non-toxic weed control program:
1.
Reduce the number of landscaped
areas. Public works employees have stated that it is
in landscaped areas that they have the greatest difficulty controlling
weeds.
2.
Reintroduce native grasses and
wildflowers wherever possible. Native plants blend in beautifully
with the natural surroundings and require only minimal maintenance. Mike Mingo, natural resources planner for the
Arizona Department of Transportation, has provided recommendations on grass and
wildflower seed mixes for Sedona, as well as information on purchasing seeds
and establishing an appropriate mowing schedule.
[Mike is available
for further consultation at 602-712-6993.]
3.
Consider using the new award-winning
weed barrier, CRMCrete, in appropriate areas. Developed by California Department of
Transportation employees in response to mandates to reduce herbicide use, CRMCrete has been found to be a cost-effective long-term
solution to weed growth. It lasts three
times as long as regular concrete. It is fire resistant and can be stamped,
colored, or embedded with stones for esthetic appeal. Unlike the loose stones currently being used
in Sedona, CRMCrete does not become a growing medium
for weeds and therefore requires no maintenance.
[For more
information, including a CD on proper application of CRMCrete,
contact Caltrans
engineer Salvador Torres at 530-225-2034.]
4.
Focus on removing weeds as soon as
possible after they appear, rather than following a pre-set schedule or waiting
until weeds become an eyesore. Plants that are two
inches in height or smaller generally have not stored enough carbohydrates in
their roots to regenerate a top, and therefore can easily be killed root and all in a single treatment. Removing weeds when they are small means less
effort, less cost and a better-looking landscape.
5.
Consider appointing a horticulturist
or citizens’ advisory board to provide continual monitoring of weed growth and
to schedule all weed removal. This will lighten
the burden on public works officials and allow them to focus on providing
equipment and work crews as needed.
6.
Set up a volunteer program
coordinated by a city employee or citizens’ advisory board.
Volunteer programs that are working in other cities include:
o
Adopt-A-Highway or Adopt-A-Park
programs, involving individuals, groups, and businesses.
Businesses along Highway 89A, and landscaping
businesses might be particularly interested, especially if recognition were
given on a plaque or sign.
o
Weed-a-thons
co-sponsored by non-profit groups seeking a fundraising project. These can involve a direct donation from the city
to the group or the collection by the group of pledges from community members.
o
Special events, possibly tied to
national Seasons of Service holidays. [Volunteer
coordinator for
7.
Consider using part-time seasonal
labor or prison labor if possible. Traditional methods,
such as pulling and hoeing, do not require licensed workers or expensive
equipment, so can be readily performed by crews of low-cost or volunteer
workers. And how about Vice-Mayor Jerry
Frey’s suggestion of enlisting citizens with unpaid parking fines?
8.
Consider setting up a special
account to hold funds from direct donations earmarked for nontoxic weed control
and funds raised through special events. Volunteers could
raise money for the city while pulling weeds in an event similar to the
weed-a-thon mentioned earlier.
9.
Investigate possible funding through
grants. The availability of grants changes
continually, but grants have been offered for
environmentally friendly weed control in the past. Possibilities include the EPA, health
organizations, environmental groups, and businesses.
10.
Consider re-doing the trials of the
vitamin C based weed killer, C-Cide. Lisa Smith of LS
Distributing is still willing to oversee trials of C-Cide at no cost to the
city. Along with
11.
Take time now to re-think your
entire approach to weed control and create a comprehensive plan for success.
No single change will be enough.
When eliminating synthetic herbicides, it becomes more important than
ever to use all available resources efficiently. To summarize, this means reducing
high-maintenance landscaping, careful monitoring of weed growth to ensure that
most weeds are removed when they are small, and getting the community
involved.