Label
Councilman Sarantou’
Agenda Review
Noxious Weeds
8/18/2026
Title
From: Councilman Sarantou Response Requested: ASAP
Lots of weeds along Latonia where new sidewalks were installed. Why didn’t we use actual grass seeds? Do we specify the type of seeds to be used?
Body
Referral Response:
Yes, grass seed was specified for the Latonia sidewalk project. The specifications (see attached) require residential and other areas to be seeded with a specific mixture consisting of 50% turf type perennial ryegrass, 30% creeping red fescue, and 20% Kentucky bluegrass, at a rate of 8 to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
The weeds along the new sidewalks are related to the timing and conditions of the restoration. Much of this work was completed in the summer months, and establishing turf during the summer months can be more difficult because of heat and dry conditions. Newly disturbed soil can also allow weeds and other volunteer vegetation to emerge more quickly than the grass. We do use topsoil with organic matter and add fertilizer to promote growth. Factors like timing, rainfall, watering schedule, as well as timely and consistent mowing all contribute to the growth rate of grass versus weeds.
We are aware of the condition of some of these areas, and are looking at what can be done to improve the establishment of the grass in locations where the restoration has not performed as expected. We are working with our landscape architect to re-evaluate our seeding and right of way maintenance with regard to our sidewalk and street construction projects.