HRM does not use Pesticides in our open spaces, as per By-Law P-800; therefore weeds tend to grow at a faster rate than grass. This can cause an unkempt appearance during the high growth season.

Dandelions, for instance, are a perennial and occur in a two-to-three week rapid period of growth during the last few weeks of May and the first few weeks of June. At this time, the plants are very evident because of their bright yellow flowers and fluffy round-seed heads. There is a second rapid period of growth during late summer when the temperature starts to cool down.

The dandelion flower stalk can grow as much as three to four inches in 12 hours, and can be 6-12 inches high within 24 to 46 hours. This is part of its ecological strategy to get its seed head above the surrounding grass, where the seeds can be caught by the wind and scattered. This means that even newly-mown turf can look uncared for within one or two days of mowing. It usually takes two to three mowing cycles, depending on the cutting schedule, to get through the spring flush of dandelions.

For more information on pesticides visit: Pesticides Naturally Green