Those nasty yellow flowering weeds need a kicking, according to a Red Deer city councillor.
Frank Wong issued a notice of motion during Monday’s council meeting, asking for the city to target dandelions which appear to be spreading out of control.
“Since we discontinued treatment, it’s gotten out of hand,” Wong said later. “They might treat them in the fall, but it doesn’t really help in the spring.”
A number of residents are complaining because they are treating dandelions but nearby city lands are allowing the weeds to grow and then spread their seeds.
“We should reconsider our policy,” said Wong. “What we’re doing now is transferring the maintenance cost to adjacent neighbours.”
In 2010, the province removed dandelions from the Weed Act and Regulations, resulting in changes to city practices with respect to dandelion management.
The very deep tap root of a dandelion, once it gets hold of an area, damages turf, according to Wong’s notice of motion.
He’d like to see administration provide options for enhanced dandelion control. This will respond to public concerns and support a return to turf health in our public areas, Wong says in his notice of motion.
Wong’s notice of motion will be presented for discussion at the next council meeting on July 9.