The City of Dover is committed to eliminating the exposure of our citizens to chemicals that are known or suspected toxins or carcinogens while striving to lead our community by example and by promotion of policies, regulations and practices that eliminate exposure to toxic compounds.
Through resolution R–2018.02.28–015, the City Council adopted its commitment to organic land management practices, making it the city's policy "to utilize sound land management practices, and the use of least toxic compounds only when necessary, in the maintenance and protection of city property."
Curbside weed control and why it's needed
The City of Dover spends thousands of dollars each year building and maintaining streets, sidewalks and drainage systems. When left unchecked, weeds and other plants can do significant damage to this infrastructure. Responsible weed control protects and extends the life of our important investments. Weed control along roads and curbs also maintains the aesthetic appeal of a community.
The goal is to promote safety and still achieve quality results. Typical areas where vegetation management techniques and weed control may be employed include sidewalks, curb/gutter lines, and catch basin perimeters. Other areas that may be included periodically are rights-of-way, roadside shoulders, guardrails and around signage. Only herbicides that are approved by the Department of Environmental Services are used, and any product is applied in targeted areas using minimal amounts.
We treat along the curb lines where the pavement meets curbing and curbing meets sidewalks, specifically targeting the growing weeds. Spraying is a part of our vegetation maintenance, which also incorporates mowing and string trimming.
2023 curbside weed control program
The City Council authorized the 2023 curbside weed contract in April 2023, where the city's contracted and licensed applicator will use a combination of products. Community Services will monitor how well these products work, their cost-effectiveness and any adverse environmental impacts. The city's goal is to find the most cost-effective, environmentally-friendly pre-emergent herbicides, as weed removal is much more expensive than preventing them from growing.
The products are:
- Esplanade: a non-glyphosate pre-emergent weed control that will be applied once in specific areas;
- Finalsan: an organic post-emergent weed control that will be applied multiples times as needed in specific areas;
- Acetic acid: a post-emergent weed control product made available at no cost to the city by a concerned Dover citizen that will be used on a trial basis and applied in select test areas. Acetic Acid is the main component of vinegar.
In addition to the three weed control applications, the city will test the effectiveness of a new curbside sweeping attachment designed specifically for weed removal.
The Curbside Weed Control 2023 Map shows where the different products will be applied and the application frequency. It also includes the streets where curbside weed sweeping will occur.
Those who own property within the Esplanade treatment area may opt out of its application by contacting the Community Services department at 603-516-6450. The deadline to request the opt out is Friday, May 5, 2023, at 4 p.m.
