Turf Management on Township Property

By Mara Baird, member of the EAC (Environmental Advisory Commission)

Within its ten parks and playing fields, the Township maintains 117 acres for recreational activities. These areas, several of which feature streams and ponds, are widely enjoyed by residents, their children and pets. In recent years, questions have been raised regarding how these areas are maintained, specifically with respect to fertilization and weed control, since some lawn chemicals can pose a threat to human and animal health.

Parks: Playing Fields

The Township now contracts to administer selective and carefully monitored applications of weed control and an organic-based fertilizer only as required to maintain playing fields in a safe condition for play. Work includes cultural activity to increase the health of the soil and turf.

Parks: Passive Use Areas

The Township has discontinued all use of fertilizer and weed control in public parks.

Other Township Property

Township properties such as the Township building and Library currently are dealt with independently from Township parks, and are being treated with a pre-emergent in the spring for crabgrass, a late spring weed and feed, and a fall fertilization.

The Board of Commissioners is currently in discussion to review this policy.

These particular properties fall between playing fields and general park areas in terms of priority for care. Athletic fields demand more intensive care, in order to maintain them in safe and playable condition. It is appropriate that general park areas are not being treated at all, particularly given that many of them are associated with water systems.

The Township building and Library represent relatively small adjacent land areas. They are also highly visible and visited, and offer a prime location from which to offer information to the public.

EAC recommends first and foremost that these areas be evaluated for positive turf culture activities (aerating, over-seeding, topdressing, attending to mowing height etc.)

As athlete safety is not an issue on these properties and some level of weeds should be considered acceptable, EAC recommends that the Township consider one of two approaches:

1. Maintain these properties in the same fashion as passive use areas in parks are now being maintained, with particular attention being paid to mowing heights and positive turf culture as noted above.

2. Test an organic approach for pre-emergent weed control (such as corn gluten) and for fertilization (such as compost tea, etc.)

Demonstration that turf care has as much or more to do with positive cultural techniques as it does with application of a given problem-solver product could prove a successful vehicle for communication with/education of residents. EAC would be interested in supporting this management with literature and interpretive signage highlighting issues and techniques for Township residents.