Warm weather is putting the city's works yard into an unexpected early spring routine.
Included in that routine is an early attack on the European Chafer Beetle, whose infestation is on the rise in Richmond.
“They have been more active over the winter months, possibly due to the warmer temperatures,” said city spokesperson Kim Decker, explaining that the city hasn’t typically been as affected as others in Metro Vancouver.
The beetles will mature between now and this spring and cause animals to dig into boulevards, lawns and fields, causing a mess.
The city is holding free workshops on pesticide-free lawn maintenance for those with infestations (see below).
City spokesperson Ted Townsend said the works yard is having to step up its operations a bit early this year.
“We are seeing increased need for grass cutting. Usually we start cutting grass around the end of March but could start now. We seem to be trending toward longer grass cutting season overall,” explained Townsend.
The city’s landscaping crew is also busier weeding weeds and dealing with pests that may have had an easier ride this winter.
Also, sports fields require more fertilizer because of the shortened dormant period.
All the extra work is putting added pressure on planning and general practices by the parks department in order to stay on budget, said Townsend.
“On a positive note the weather is more suited to begin construction projects in Parks earlier with an early spring and drier conditions,” said Townsend.
All of this warm weather has meant energy savings for the city as well.
Townsend said energy managers estimate the city has saved about $25,000 in gas costs compared to previous years. Albeit, that’s only 2.5 per cent of the city’s typical annual costs ($1 million) on gas consumption.
Upcoming workshops: European Chafer Management & Healthy Lawns
This workshop will cover identification and life cycle of the European chafer, prevention and management and review best lawn care practices to have a lawn that resists and recovers quickly. Instructor: Linda Gilkeson.
West Richmond Community Centre 13+yrs
9180 No. 1 Road
Mar 14........Sa......... 1:30-3:00pm........... Free............. 895958
Thompson Community Centre 13+yrs
5151 Granville Avenue
May 2..........Sa......... 1:30-3:00pm........... Free............. 947808
Jun 13.........Sa......... 1:30-3:00pm........... Free............. 895408
