Curbside weed control spraying begins next week, May 29

posted on 5/21/2024; updated 5/22/2024

The city's contracted and licensed weed control applicator will begin operations on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at targeted locations throughout Dover.

The city will utilize organic weed treatments in most locations but will target specific streets with a one-time application of Esplanade, a non-glyphosate pre-emergent weed control.

Property owners that do not want the Esplanade treatment area may opt out of its application by contacting Community Services at 603-516-6450 by Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 4 p.m.

Click here to view a map of the planned curbside weed control areas.

The City of Dover is utilizing the following weed control strategies for 2024:

• 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 multiple times as needed in specific areas;
• Curbside sweeping: Crews will utilize a street sweeper attachment designed specifically for weed removal.

The City Council awarded the curbside weed control contract to Municipal Pest Management Services, Inc., of Newington, in April 2023.

Curbside weed control and its need

The city continues to seek the most cost-effective, environmentally-friendly pre-emergent herbicides, as weed removal is much more expensive than preventing them from growing. Weed control continues to be monitored and evaluated for how well it works, cost-effectiveness, and adverse environmental impacts.

The City of Dover spends thousands of dollars annually building and maintaining streets, sidewalks and drainage systems. When left unchecked, weeds and other plants can significantly damage this infrastructure. Responsible weed control protects and extends the life of the city's essential 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 approved by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services are used, and any product is applied in targeted areas using the least amount possible.

The city treats along the curb lines where the pavement meets curbing and curbing meets the sidewalks, specifically targeting growing weeds. Spraying is a part of our vegetation maintenance, which also incorporates mowing and trimming.

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 promoting 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."

For more information, contact Community Services at 603-516-6450.