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By Chris Brown

Fall control program for dandelions, broadleaf weeds

May 31, 2021 | 9:28 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The City of Medicine Hat will begin a program this fall to control the spread of dandelions and other broadleaf weeds.

According to the city, research has found that weeds, such as dandelions, absorb the active ingredient when performing chemical control more efficiently, leading to less weed growth and spread come the following spring.

In 2018, the Parks & Recreation Department began an improved fertilization program, in conjunction with regular cultural practices, which includes regular mowing, weed whipping and irrigation. Staff also began overseeding in park areas. These combined methods allow turf to thrive and become a healthy competitor for nuisance weeds. Staff will continue with this method over the summer months.

“Dandelion presence in the spring provides more flowers for bee pollination,” said Dave Genio, parks manager with the City of Medicine Hat. “We’re asking residents to please be patient as we go forward with this new fall program and change our control practice.”

This new method will be tested in select parks beginning this fall.

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Genio says the city hopes that by doing fall control in select parks, they are able to reduce the requirement for control methods in the future.

Areas of concern brought forward by residents will be prioritized in an overall control program starting later this summer.