Council says some people think weed killer 'adds to the appearance' of trees
Cosmetic spraying around trees in Tramore.
At a recent meeting of the Metropolitan District Council, a member of the council executive told councillors that weed killer would be sprayed on the base of trees this year.
Social Democrat Councillor Mary Roche raised the issue. She said that in light of the grass cutting contract being awarded in April, “Can I ask that we specify in the grass cutting contract that there is no spraying around the base of the trees, which kills all of the life under tree trunks. I know it's for ease of cutting, but it's really very unsightly and very environmentally unfriendly.”
Senior executive for Waterford City and County Council, Paul Flynn, said, “The jury might be out on the spraying of weed killer on the base of trees. Some people think it adds to the appearance, and some people have a contrary view.”
Mr Flynn said the tender was already in progress, “and that does include weed control on the base of trees.”
Although there is no mention of the use of weed killer or other pesticides in Waterford City and County Council’s Climate Action Plan, other local authorities have eliminated the use of certain harmful chemicals. This includes Dublin City Council’s “Leave them bee” campaign.
The All-Ireland Pollinator plan specifically recommends that local authorities "reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides".
As of March 2023, every local authority and council on the island of Ireland has become a partner to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
