June 6, 2014
Dandelion Season is Here
Each spring, lawns and greenspaces turn from green to yellow as dandelions flower. Dandelions pose no health risk and they usually flower for only a few shorts weeks in May and June.
To protect the environment, the City of Vaughan implemented a Pesticide By-law to regulate the use of herbicides to control weeds, such as dandelions, on public and private property.
Grass in parks, sports fields and on boulevards is cut frequently during May and June in an effort to keep weeds to a minimum. Even with frequent cuts, areas may appear unkempt, as weeds grow faster than grass. The City also uses a number of natural practices to prevent weeds.
These tips will help control dandelions and other weeds on your property:
- Raise your mower blades to 3” to 4” – taller grass will shade out weed seeds and prevent them from germinating
- Overseed and topdress your lawn with compost – overseeding ensures weeds do not have room to take root, and compost adds nutrients and structure to the soil
- Aerate your lawn in early spring – this will loosen soil to allow water and air penetration to keep roots healthy
- Add white clover to seed mix – white clover is a low growing, hardy plant that adds nitrogen to the soil
- Fertilize your lawn in spring and fall – healthy lawns are thicker and can shade out weeds
- Water deeply, but only when needed. Refer to the City’s Outdoor Water Use By-law for information concerning times and days when you can water your lawns.
- grass requires about 1” of water per week (during dry periods)
- water in the early mornings or evenings
- use sprinklers or soaker hoses that keep water low to the ground
- long, slow soakings get water lower into the soil encouraging deep rooting and a more drought resistant lawn
- Consider some lawn alternatives where possible – low groundcovers, such as Periwinkle and Thyme require far less fertilizer and water
For more information on the by-laws and grass cutting in parks and open spaces, visit vaughan.ca.
