That dandelions are now spreading like weeds across Canada has its origins in a phony cancer scare. That it was (and is) a phony scare was confirmed again just last week when Ottawa, the Quebec government and Dow AgroSciences settled a lawsuit under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Dow AgroSciences had sued over Quebec government claims the pesticide 2,4-D, the key dandelion exterminator, was a health risk.
The settlement agreement, a victory for the company, includes a statement from the government of Quebec saying the pesticide 2,4-D does “not pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment” when used according to instructions. It is too late, however, to undo the damage at the municipal level.
Out here in the country we just run them over with the mower. But if I want to I -can- spray as we are zoned “rural”. Might cost a bit, but it also might be worth spraying just because I can. A right that goes un-exercised may fade away.
Big sprayers are available at Princess Auto, 2,4D still at the farm store.
In case this thread is still alive, corn gluten might be the answer for new dandelions and other weeds as it is supposed to prevent seeds from germinating. From what I can find out, it works for about 4 weeks after application. It can be bought mixed with fertilizer as a weed’n’feed or by itself.
Existing weeds will still need individual attention; fortunately, Killex is still available here. Need I add that I love the smell of 24,D in the morning?
Off topic/sort of… Just read(third time) the modest proposal column..Just a classic Kate!