Strafford News

The city's contracted and licensed weed control applicator will begin operations next week at targeted locations throughout the city, as highlighted in the Curbside Weed Control 2023 Map. The city will utilize organic weed treatments in most locations but will target specific streets with a one-time application of Esplanade, a non-glyphosate pre-emergent weed control. Property owners within the Esplanade treatment area may opt out of its application by contacting Community Services at 603-516-6450. The deadline to request the opt-out is Friday, May 5, 2023, at 4 p.m.

The City of Dover is utilizing the following weed control strategies for 2023:

• Esplanade: a non-glyphosate pre-emergent weed control that will be applied once in specific areas;
• Finalsan: an organic post-emergent weed control that will be applied multiples times as needed in specific areas;
• Acetic acid: a post-emergent weed control product made available at no cost to the city by a concerned Dover citizen that will be used on a trial basis and applied in select test areas. Acetic Acid is the main component of vinegar;
• Curbside sweeping: Crews will utilize a street sweeper attachment designed specifically for weed removal.

The city's goal is to find the most cost-effective, environmentally-friendly pre-emergent herbicides, as weed removal is much more expensive than preventing them from growing. The treatments will be monitored and evaluated along with the following other weed control strategies for how well they work, cost-effectiveness and any adverse environmental impacts.

Curbside weed control and its need

The City of Dover spends thousands of dollars each year building and maintaining streets, sidewalks and drainage systems. When left unchecked, weeds and other plants can significantly damage this infrastructure. Responsible weed control protects and extends the life of our essential investments. Weed control along roads and curbs also maintains the aesthetic appeal of a community.

The goal is to promote safety and still achieve quality results. Typical areas where vegetation management techniques and weed control may be employed include sidewalks, curb/gutter lines, and catch basin perimeters. Other areas that may be included periodically are rights-of-way, roadside shoulders, guardrails and around signage. Only herbicides approved by the Department of Environmental Services are used, and any product is applied in targeted areas using minimal amounts.

The city treats along the curb lines where the pavement meets curbing and curbing meets sidewalks, specifically targeting growing weeds. Spraying is a part of our vegetation maintenance, which also incorporates mowing and trimming. The City of Dover is committed to eliminating the exposure of our citizens to chemicals that are known or suspected toxins or carcinogens while striving to lead our community by example and by promotion of policies, regulations and practices that eliminate exposure to toxic compounds.

Through resolution R–2018.02.28–015, the City Council adopted its commitment to organic land management practices, making it the city's policy "to utilize sound land management practices, and the use of least toxic compounds only when necessary, in the maintenance and protection of city property."

For more information, contact Community Services at 603-516-6450.

The Curbside Weed Control 2023 Map highlights where the different weed control strategies will be utilized and the application frequency. 

Original source can be found here.