One of the best strikes of new grass established by the Waikato District Council has been almost wiped out by careless use of weedkiller. Of even greater concern, weedkiller is still being used in coastal areas where it has caused erosion of bank areas in the past.
When the new museum was built the Waikato District Council said they had no money for a footpath and grass berm from the building entrance back along Wainui Rd towards the town area. Earlier this year they found the needed cash and built the footpath with a grass berm next to it adjacent to the coastal area. Contractors doing the work followed required methods to stop pollution of the harbour while the work was underway. The grass seed on the new berm struck well and a strong growth of lawn resulted.
But now, as our photo shows, the careless use of weedkiller has created a mohawk effect with just narrow strip of grass between wider dead patches on either side.
A Council official we spoke to was lost for words- he had previously given clear instructions that weedkiller was not to be used in coastal areas!