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12 | THE COLONY NEWS | JUNE 2021 | COMMITTEE NEWS By Jane Payne HERBICIDE UPDATE: Over the past few years, the LAC, along with the Landscape Staff and Environmental Concepts, has been trying to find an alternative herbicide to using Ranger Pro®, a synthetic product which has glyphosate. The first test we did was with a nonsynthetic product called Final San®. In this test, we found that it was not as effective in controlling the weeds and more of the product needed to be applied. It was more expensive than Ranger Pro® and required more frequent applications. We have finished another test of a synthetic alternative which does not have glyphosate. This alternative (Cheetah Pro®) was effective at controlling weeds and only slightly more expensive. We are not, however, recommending it because of the published data on the health hazards, toxicity and environmental impact. We will continue to pursue alternatives. Environmental Concepts has a Pest Control Advisor (PCA) on staff who is looking for alternative herbicides for us to test. In the meantime, I would like to share information about Restricted Entry Intervals. The State of California Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Pesticide Regulation established "Restricted Entry Intervals (REI) to limit the exposure of pesticide residues to workers or other persons not involved in the application of a pesticide. REI is the period of time after an area is treated with a pesticide during which restrictions on entry are in effect to protect persons from potential exposure to pesticide residues." The REI is also applicable to herbicides, and the REI information is listed on the product labeling. The label on Ranger Pro® states "until dry." Drying times will vary depending on the weather. Drying could take a couple of minutes in the summer but longer in winter or if the area is in shade versus full sun. Watch for the "herbicide spraying in process" signs which are posted at the ends of streets. To see where the herbicide has been sprayed, a greenish colorant is added to the herbicide so you can easily see it. Please keep in mind that The Colony uses very little Ranger Pro® (2 ounces per every 1,000 square feet). Rest assured that we are continuing to look for alternative herbicides, and we thank you for your continued patience. Front yard planters and weeds in street cracks are generally "spot sprayed" with very little product used per yard. INFORMATION FOR NEW RESIDENTS: It is challenging selecting the right plants, planting in the right area and keeping new plants from being eaten by our wildlife. In landscape, a microclimate is defined as local variations from the general climate resulting from slight differences in elevation, direction of slope exposure, soil, density of vegetation, etc. Within The Colony we have several microclimates, and you probably have different microclimates within your yard. Microclimates are one of the reasons why the same plants are thriving in one part of your yard but won't survive in another. For example, plants against my back wrought iron fence are exposed to wind, frost and being eaten by the wildlife, whereas the same plants do well in an area on the front side next to my house. The Colony has the same challenge, but on a larger scale when trying to put the right plant in the right place. In addition to the plant needs, we battle the wildlife (ranging from rabbits, squirrels, rats, gophers, etc.) that feed on our landscape. New plants are especially vulnerable, and that is why you see chicken-wire cages around some of the new plantings. Our goal is to have flowering plants which are evergreen, heat and frost resistant, require little water, animal resistant and readily available in this area. We would love to have some plants or trees blooming year-round. Unfortunately, many flowering plants are deciduous and lose their leaves in the winter. Others are in full bloom in the hot summer sun but suffer during winter frost. The LAC has approved plant and tree lists for the common areas and front yards. Based on years of history, plants and trees have been added and removed. We are continually searching to expand the approved lists to offer broader plant and tree selections. Included are some photos of plants which are evergreen and currently blooming. LANDSCAPE ADVISORY Plumbago Orchid Rock Rose Gold Emu Noell Grevillea

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