As summer approaches, plants and grasses begin growing quickly throughout our community. Regular yard maintenance not only helps keep properties looking their best, but can also support healthy landscapes, reduce the spread of unwanted plants and help protect local ecosystems.
Residents are encouraged to become familiar with the plants growing on their property and to monitor for weeds throughout the growing season. Alberta regulates certain noxious and prohibited noxious weeds under the Weed Control Act. These invasive plants can spread quickly, outcompete desirable vegetation and negatively impact natural areas and agricultural lands.
Residents may also notice plants such as foxtail barley, a native grass commonly found in disturbed soils, roadsides and open areas. While it is not a provincially regulated noxious weed, its barbed seed heads can pose a risk to pets and wildlife once they mature.
A few simple lawn-care practices can help maintain healthy landscapes and reduce opportunities for unwanted plants to establish:
• Inspect your property regularly for weeds and other unwanted vegetation
• Learn to identify regulated noxious and prohibited noxious weeds
• Mow regularly and avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade at a time
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage healthy root growth
• Aerate compacted areas as needed
• Overseed thin or bare patches to help maintain dense turf coverage
• Monitor for plants such as foxtail barley and remove or mow them before seed heads mature
• Dispose of plant material appropriately to help prevent spreading
Taking a few simple steps throughout the growing season can help maintain healthy yards and contribute to a cleaner, safer community for everyone.
For more information on weed identification and management, visit Alberta’s Weed Control resources.
Residents with bylaw-related questions can contact Municipal Enforcement at 403-272-9878.