Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/12/1997

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;. Case #2 ,. DISCUSS GRASS TRIMMING POLICY By: Mark Boos, ParksfUtilities Supervisor Background: The City has no turf mowing or trimming policy per se. However, it has been our custom to "weed whip" around each obstacle in the turfed landscape every other mowing frequency or more often. The purpose of this case is to discuss the expenditure of resources in pursuit of the small tuft of grass that will develop at the base of posts and trees if only a push mower is used. The discussion of trimming is not intended to imply that it should cease - only that we might consider a natural tuft of grass as not interfering with any turf associated use and, therefore, the frequency reduced to that which is acceptable to the public. The following are statements that may be considered in the evaluation of a trimming policy: Trimming costs time and money and contributes to additional noise. Despite thorough training of seasonal workers, trees continue to be injured and killed in some rare cases. (Trunk injury can also contribute to a long-term tree hazard situation.) Trimming time could be used in an activity that has some longer term rewards. That is, like mowing, a week or so later it needs to be repeated. The City has received few or no trimming complaints (mowing - yes, trimming - none). The small amount of taller grass at the tree's root zone can contribute to healthier trees in terms of generally cooler, moister roots. Recommendation: Staff recommends a brief discussion on this topic with some reduced trimming activity at a park site(s) to determine public acceptance. Commission Action: Based upon discussion. Reviewed by: ParkslUtilities Supervisor P &R: 6/12/97 @kathy/mwordlpark&rec/p&ljunelprtrimm.doc 3