Grass Cutting and Weeds
Grass cutting
The City maintains trail systems and other naturalized areas to preserve Vaughan’s natural habitat.
The City manages more than 200 parks and more than 800 hectares of parks and open spaces. Grass in these areas is cut on a two-week rotation, from May to October.
Weeds
Dandelions: Each spring, lawns and greenspaces turn from green to yellow as dandelions bloom. Dandelions pose no health risk and usually flower for only a few short weeks in May and June.
Poisonous weeds: Some weeds may be poisonous and cause side effects, such as skin irritation, if touched. Examples include poison ivy, giant hogweed and wild parsnip.
The City inspects public land for legislated noxious weeds, under the Province of Ontario’s Weed Control Act, 1990.
If you have any questions or concerns, or feel you have spotted a noxious weed on City property, contact Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca.
Tips to control weeds on your property:
- Raise your mower blades to three or four inches – taller grass will shade out weed seeds and prevent them from sprouting.
- Overseed and topdress your lawn with compost – overseeding ensures weeds do not have room to take root, and compost adds nutrients and structure to the soil.
- Aerate your lawn in early spring – this will loosen soil to allow water and air penetration to keep roots healthy.
- Add white clover to seed mix – white clover is a low-growing, hardy plant that adds nitrogen to the soil.
- Fertilize your lawn in spring and fall – healthy lawns are thicker and can shade out weeds.
- Water deeply, but only when needed. Refer to information about outdoor water use restrictions and schedules. In general, grass watering involves:
- one inch of water per week (during dry periods)
- water in the early mornings or evenings
- sprinklers or soaker hoses that keep water low to the ground
- long and slow soakings encouraging water closer to the soil for deep-rooting and a more drought-resistant lawn
- Consider alternative lawn covers, where possible – low groundcovers, such as periwinkle and thyme require less fertilizer and water.
