What to Expect
Grass areas could have more dandelions, clover, and other broadleaf plants. These plants are nontoxic for people and pups, and these areas are completely safe for park visitors to enjoy as normal. Treatments help control the population of such plants at our park sites, but keep in mind that the Common Dandelion is one of the few endemic turf weeds that is native to North America. These broadleaf plants are beneficial to the local ecosystem providing food and habitat to native pollinators and adding to the biodiversity of our green spaces.
Boise Parks and Recreation does not seek to eradicate dandelions from our sites. We only try to manage the number and density of plants to maintain usable and aesthetically pleasing turf areas.
Additionally, untrimmed grass may be longer. Cosmetic uses (spraying of tree wells) of glyphosate-based herbicides will be further curtailed at park sites. Untrimmed areas and tree wells can have other plants fill in. Increasing the mowing height for turf improves the overall health of the grass and requires less maintenance resources, like mowing frequency and water.
We will be employing cultural methods to reduce populations (i.e. mowing, fertilizing, aerating, etc.). Neonicotinoid insecticides have been eliminated from use for turfed areas in response to the latest direction from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Next Steps
The Boise Parks and Recreation team is using pilot program data and community feedback to potentially implement broader policy changes for ongoing implementation and study.
