Nuisance and Noxious Weeds
The
Nuisance Weed Program provides a pleasant aesthetic appeal and ensures safety on sport fields and sidewalks. Nuisance weeds include plants such as dandelions.
Noxious weeds are specifically targeted by the Provincial Weed Act and the Northwest Invasive Plant Council. Weeds defined as "noxious" and/or "invasive" are usually introduced species that impact grazing lands, waterways, other natural sites, and/ or human health. In Prince George, invasive weeds include Mountain Bluet, Himalayan Balsam, Common Tansy, and Burdock.
Both programs operate with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. The City of Prince George is committed to the reduction of pesticide use and creating healthy landscapes.
Current strategies:
- Providing mulch around trees and planning beds to reduce weed germination
- Applying top dressing on soil and over-seeding boulevard lawn turf
- Using plants (including grasses and trees) that are less susceptible to pests and diseases
- Using locally produced compost (available at the Foothills Landfill) in planting beds to create healthier soil
- Planting within the conditions plants require (i.e. shade or sun) and choosing appropriate plants for the site
- Mowing grass on a regular basis (at the right height of 2 ½")
- Automating irrigation systems to provide maximum growing benefits and to reduce water wastage
- Cutting down noxious weeds before seeds are produced
Effective Lawn Care
You can grow a strong, hardy lawn by providing adequate moisture, enough nutrients, and good soil. These simple steps will also reduce unwanted plants and pests. Follow the tips below to maintain your plants' health and to create a vibrant green lawn.
Over-watering your lawn can be worse than under-watering your lawn.
To establish deep healthy roots, your lawn only needs 2" of water, once a week. Over-watering can create shallow roots that cannot sustain your lawn in hot weather. Over-watering can also encourage the growth of plantain and crabgrass.
Proper fertilizing can drastically reduce weed infestations.
Soils within Prince George typically lack nitrogen, which is a cause of clover build-up in lawns.
Over-seeding can battle enemy plants.
A low cost method for reducing weed growth is over-seeding your lawn once per year. This strategy is even recommended for healthy lawns.
Mow your grass to the right height.
During the hottest part of summer, mowing your grass at a height of 3" helps conserve soil moisture, giving your grass a greater chance of staying green.
Add shrubs and flowerbeds to your green space.
Grass is the most expensive plant to maintain in your yard. Reducing turf - by adding shrubs and flowerbeds - can save both time and money in the long run.