WINNIPEG – Weed control companies are seeing a significant increase in the number of calls this season.
Over the last few weeks, Weed Man has received 25 per cent more than their usual customer calls from customers wanting to get rid of dandelions.
“The product cost is up about 700 per cent over the last year or so… it’s a big shock,” said David Hinton of Weed Man. “It’s actually cheaper to have a company come in and do it for you … We buy in bulk.”
The increased product cost comes after the province restricted potentially harmful over-the-counter chemicals starting in January. The main reason cited for getting rid of harsh pesticides was the safety of children who could be affected by them.
READ MORE: Manitoba to limit but not ban lawn pesticides
“The amount we spent on weed control compared to last year … It’s way too expensive,” said Hinton.
The new bio-weed control organic products can cost hundreds of dollars for a few treatments to prevent more dandelions from growing.
“It’a going to get worse before it gets better,” said Dillon Vincent of Eco Green for Lawns and Trees, which has seen a 20 per cent increase in customer calls already this season for dandelions. “Larger properties just can’t afford to spray anymore.”
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They city is no longer spraying the traditional herbicide products they used before and is having a hard time keeping up with the increased product cost.
“We’re in a position where effectively we’re mowing dandelions and not taking any other action on the grass surfaces in parks, boulevards and athletic fields,” said Winnipeg manager of parks and open space Dave Domke.
Even the premier is altering his lawn care routine, one more Winnipeggers may have to adopt soon.
“Twenty minutes each day, picking them out and putting them in a bucket,” said Manitoba premier Greg Selinger.
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