Weeds & Turf Care

Dandelions are considered a nuisance weed but are not regulated under Alberta’s Weed Control Act. To protect the environment, the City does not blanket-spray for dandelions. Instead, we use preventative methods like proper mowing, soil care, and watering to manage their spread. Targeted spraying may occur if dandelion levels exceed acceptable thresholds. The City continues to explore safe and sustainable weed control options.

Did you know? Dandelions are one of the first food sources for bees and other pollinators in spring!

Pollinators Matter

Pollinators, like bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats, help plants grow by moving pollen between flowers. They support about 75% of flowering plants and 30% of major food crops, including many fruits and vegetables.

How You Can Help Pollinators

• Limit pesticide use
• Plant native flowers that offer nectar and shelter
• Support green spaces and reduce habitat loss

Creating pollinator-friendly areas helps protect biodiversity and keeps our environment healthy.

Sheep Grazing Program

The sheep of Fort Saskatchewan have been delighting visitors and keeping the grass trim in City parks for 30 years. If ewe haven't already heard, Fort Saskatchewan uses the flock as an eco-friendly way of looking after the parks.

Make sure to stop by and visit the sheep while they're in town!

Goats as Weed Management

You may see goats at West River’s Edge (WRE). They’re being used as a safe environmentally friendly alternative to weed management. They’ll cover up to 96 hectares and will treat effected areas up to three times over the summer and fall.

Please be advised:

• Dogs charging the fence frightens the goats. Please keep your dog away if your dog is trying to be their boss.
• Signs will be posted informing the public of the work area for the day.
• Two shepherds will be monitoring and herding the goats to effected areas.
• We urge Fort Saskatchewan residents, and visitors, to please respect the posted work signs and give the goats and shepherds room to work.

Learn more about goats and weed management.

For more information on the goats and weed management, please call 780-992-6248.

Thistle is a noxious weed that spreads quickly, mainly through its deep and wide root system. While seeds help it move to new areas, the roots allow it to take over lawns and green spaces if not managed properly.

The City controls thistles in parks and open spaces by mowing regularly before they flower and go to seed. We aim to limit pesticide use to protect the environment and are always exploring safer weed control methods.

Tips for Residents:

• Mow your lawn often to prevent thistles from spreading.
• Talk to neighbours if you notice thistles on their property. Working together helps protect the whole community.
• Prevent growth by minimizing soil disturbance and planting grass or other competitive plants in bare areas.

Report thistles on City or commercial property using Fort Report.

When invasive weeds cannot be controlled with natural strategies, herbicides are used. They’re the same herbicides anyone can find at the local garden centre. Once the area is treated and all the weeds are killed, natural weed control methods are continued.

Notices are placed a minimum 48 hours after treatment. Remember, treatment is weather dependant, and can be delayed. Once treatment is completed there may be a pesticide smell, but it will dissipate after a few hours.

In addition to herbicide use we also use natural strategies such as: Goats, sheep, flea beetles, mowing and line trimming.

High Profile Locations

"High Profile" locations will see year over year monitoring and turf maintenance to ensure green spaces are kept at a high standard and invasive weeds do not creep into these highly used areas of the city. These areas are rented by the public, used by minor sports, and see increased traffic during the summer months.

The following areas have been identified as "High Profile" locations:

1. West River's Edge Pavilion
2. Pryce Alderson Park
3. RCMP/Municipal Enforcement Building
4. Taurus Field and surrounding area
5. Henderson Park
6. Legacy Park
7. City Hall
8. Lion's Park/Pool
9. JRC & Curling Club and surrounding area
10. Harbour Pool
11. Fire Hall
12. James E. Graham Boulevards & Mechanics entrance
13. City Entrance "Bowls" on Highway 15
14. Highway "Roadsides" within City
15. All Sportsfields and surrounding buffer areas