Throughout the season, the Town of Devon conducts pest (primarily weed and insect) inspections and evaluates when and where pesticide applications are required to control noxious weeds. Pesticide applications are done in accordance to Provincial legislation and where the infestation of nuisance weeds exceed acceptable standards as part of the Community Standards Bylaw and our Integrated Pest Management Plan.
Beginning in June the Town will use trained staff as well as contract applicators to first inspect, and then apply pesticides where necessary on various Town lands; this may include sports fields, parks, sidewalks and roadsides. Public facilities and park areas to be treated will be posted with signs at least 24 hours prior to, and for at least 48 hours following application of pesticides.
Insect pests on trees and woody ornamentals are controlled when they produce an unacceptable amount of damage and are a threat to plant health. All pest control products and procedures used meet strict standards established by Health Canada through the Pest Control Products Act and are considered safe for these types of applications. Employees are trained and certified by Alberta Environment and meet stringent standards in the method of application.
For information on broadleaf or other weed control, please call the Town of Devon at 780-987-8300.
The following maps include the planned weed spraying activities for each week. All spraying plans are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances and plans will be updated as needed.
An inspection of the highlighted spraying areas is first carried out prior to any spraying to determine the areas with a higher concentration of weeds.
The Town does not blanket spray any areas for weeds.
Click on maps to for a larger view.
Black Knot is a fungal disease that causes infected plants to develop black tarlike swellings. The disease affects a wide variety of tries of the prunus species including, but not limited to plums, cherries and apricots. The disease is also very aggressive in Mayday and Chokecherry trees.
A survey in Alberta revealed a significant and widespread distribution of Black Knot found in commercial, municipal, private and natural plantings. This disease reduces the aesthetic value of affected specimens, as infections spread rapidly; high levels may result in the eventual death of the plant.
Black Knot is distinguished by the black, tar-like swellings that develop on the branches of the infected plant or tree.
Initially, a small, olive-green gall or swelling will develop at a succulent growing point or fruit spur (as a result of spores landing and infection taking place). This swelling will grow until it is mature after 2-3 years. The mature galls are hard, black, 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) and may be somewhat ruptured. Mature galls will produce and release a vast amount of spores during the bloom period, resulting in a rapid increase in infections. The fungus continues to grow internally and externally, with the branch eventually becoming girdled and dying.
Call our Peace Officers at 780-987-3440 to report Black Knot sightings or let us know on the Our Devon App, available on your mobile device.
Each year, Devon’s Parks department spends over 100 hours of labour pruning trees deemed “at risk” for developing Black Knot. Over the past few years, all of the seriously infected trees across Devon have been removed and replaced with a different tree with a much lower risk of being infected by Black Knot.
Devon Peace Officers plan to continue to work with the community to identify private properties that are affected by Black Knot and educate them about the dangers of not dealing with infected plants or trees. Orders to remedy will be issued to property owners that choose not to deal with infected plants or trees on their property after the town provides them the opportunity to do so.
Did you know the Town of Devon has an Integrated Pest Managment Plan (IPMP)? The Integrated Pest Management Plan provides detailed information on how to prevent and manage pests on lands within the Town.
This Integrated Pest Management Plan is intended to have numerous functions including:
As a part of our Integrated Pest Management Plan, the Town of Devon has committed to doing its part to share planned weed and pest spraying locations for each week throughout the summer months. Plans are subject to change due to the weather or other circumstances.
An inspection planned spraying areas is first carried out prior to any spraying to determine the areas with a higher concentration of weeds. The Town does not blanket spray any areas for weeds.
Updates will be provided on the maps page as needed when spraying plans are adjusted.
If you have any questions regarding the Integrated Pest Management Plan, please contact Devon's Manager of Recreation, Parks & Culture at 780-987-8331 or by email at JHiggs@devon.ca.