Cottonwood Chronicle

Be a good neighbor
Joe Riener overheard an argument about spraying your lawn when it’s windy and thought he would provide some info on when it is safe and legal to apply.
With the Coronavirus keeping many at home and getting itchy to get outside as the weather turns from winter to spring, we start thinking of caring for our lawn. That usually includes some form of fertilizer and weed spraying. Weed spray, or herbicides, are available at most hardware outlets and if you need more, they are readily available at commercial agricultural dealers.
When using any airborne spray for weeds or insects make sure to carefully read the package labeling on application and health warnings. A recent argument occurred between two Camas Prairie residents, and that’s why I wrote this article. One community resident was going to spray weeds on a moderately windy (12 mph wind) day. The neighbor was concerned and advised the property owner that it was too windy to spray. The person spraying was not aware of any City Ordinance against spraying in wind, nor was there any legal recourse to prevent them from spraying. After investigation, that’s not correct, and there doesn’t need to be a City Ordinance, because its already covered under State Law.
IDAHO STATE CODE TITLE 22 , AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE,
CHAPTER 34, PESTICIDES AND CHEMIGATION, 22-3420. Prohibited acts, in paragraph 1 specifies that, “No person shall use a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling except as provided for by rule.” Okay great, what does that mean? I went out to the garage and, for the first time ever, peeled off the multi-page instruction label from my jug of Roundup®, and it says under “WHEN TO APPLY – Apply when the air is calm to prevent drift to desirable plants.” Again, okay great, what is the definition of CALM air? The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines calm wind as two miles per hour, (2 mph), or less.

So, be a good neighbor, read and follow all label warnings. Take reasonable precautions to avoid spraying your neighbor’s property. Take the same precautions that you would like a neighbor to use when spraying near your property, pets, or home.
Have a wonderful spring and summer! Stay healthy, stay safe, and be courteous.
Joe Riener

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