I've noticed landscapers at my mom's apartment using what looks like Roundup to spray around light poles and road signs. They seem to kill the grass around these fixtures, and I find it really unsightly. Is this a common practice? Shouldn't they just be trimming the grass?
2 Answers
I thought that lawn care professionals needed a license for this kind of chemical application. Isn't that a concern with what they're using?
In a lot of places, it is pretty easy to get a license for herbicide application—at least in my area you can do it online with an open book exam! The regulations can vary quite a bit.
It's actually pretty common for landscapers to do this. When they try to trim around objects like that, it can be tough not to hit them. That could damage the fixtures or wear out the trimming line faster, which isn't great for the environment. Plus, it often looks a bit cleaner for maintenance.
Yeah, and it's interesting to note that while plastic trimmer lines can create litter, the chemicals in things like Roundup can be much worse for health. They can increase cancer risks, so sometimes it’s a trade-off they’re making.
Yeah, the licensing process isn't as strict as you might think. Some places just need a quick online course to get started.