Turf Restoration Next Steps - 8/23/22

Since the project area has varying amounts of salvageable grass and varying amounts of weeds that were or weren’t killed by the herbicide, more than one action plan will be implemented. It’s possible two strategies may be needed for one property if varying conditions exist. The contractor plans to begin the fall phase of turf establishment on Monday, August 29. The work could take up to 2 weeks and will include:

1. Areas with weeds not killed by the herbicide
   • Till the soil
   • Seed and hydromulch
   • Watering
2. Areas with weeds killed by the herbicide and have patchy seed
   • Slit seed, to ensure direct seed to soil contact
   • Hydromulch, if necessary
   • Watering
3. Areas with weeds killed by the herbicide and have mostly germinating seed
   • Overseed
   • Hydromulch, if necessary
   • Watering

Additional notes:

• If necessary, topsoil will be added to fill in low spots.
• A liquid bio stimulant with nutrients will be added by the contractor to improve rooting and enhance the seed’s ability to fight stress.
• The City will monitor for germination in September and, if necessary, add more seed.
• Weeds not killed by the herbicide do not germinate after August, but they will drop seeds and remain dormant over the winter. Therefore, in spring 2023 a pre-emergent will be applied by the contractor to help prevent weed germination.
• Staff will be requesting City Council consider on September 7 a water bill credit of $100 per residential property in the Melody Lake project area.
• We encourage you to assist the contractor by helping keep the grass moist.

We’re sorry for the poor conditions and understand the turf restoration process has been lengthy and frustrating.