Sales of Imprelis Herbicide Halted. Refunds Planned

Over the past few weeks, several readers have contacted me and asked if I had heard about an herbicide named Imprelis. I had read about it, in passing, but hadn't had the time to look into it in depth.

What I originally read was that Imprelis herbicide, which was marketed as an environmentally friendly herbicide for professional use (landscape services, etc), was suspected in the deaths of thousands of Norway Spruces, eastern white pines, and other trees on lawns and golf courses across the country. (Source) 

I just got the chance to look into it further  and have discovered that DuPont, the manufacturer of Imprelis, has halted sales of the product and is planning a product return and refund program. Additionally, they have setup an entire website, called Imprelis Facts,  to answer questions about the product.

If you utilize a landscape service to maintain your lawn, you might want to ask them if they use Imprelis.

I tried to dig a little deeper and find out why it was first thought to be environmentally friendly. I only found a vague mention of it being "less" toxic to mammals.

I also thought it was interesting that, even though it was marketed as environmentally friendly, companies that applied the product were instructed to provide this notice to all of their customers:

Today we have treated your lawn with an innovative weed control product from DuPont. The product label requires that you do not use grass clippings from areas treated with Imprelis for mulching or compost, or allow for collection to composting facilities. Grass clippings must either be left on the treated area, or, if allowed by local yard waste regulations, disposed of in the trash.

As usual, my recommendation is to stay away from herbicides and other lawn chemicals whenever you can, even if they are listed as being more environmentally friendly.

Read More:

Changing Your Relationship With Weeds

Please Don't Poison My Planet

Beware of Second Hand Herbicides

City Blossoms Fall Internships

City Blossoms is seeking energetic, creative, garden-loving individuals to promote access to interactive, holistically healthy green spaces for all urban citizens.

City Blossoms' programming includes regular weekly workshops at several locations in Washington, D.C., and Takoma Park, as well as family-oriented weekend events, volunteer days and various community celebrations.

City Blossoms would like to hire three interns in the areas of administrative support, communications & outreach, and instruction. Must be available to work weekdays and Saturdays. Internship includes hands-on experience in community building through dynamic, multi-purpose green spaces.

A small stipend is provided for successful completion of this internship. Potential for part-time employment is contingent on the completion of this internship. Applicants with access to a car are highly desired. Please send your resume with a cover letter that includes qualifications specific to one of the three opportunities to Lola Bloom lola@cityblossoms.org or Rebecca Lemos Rebecca@cityblossoms.org

Washington Youth Garden Hiring

The Washington Youth Garden is a non-profit garden and environmental science education organization located on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. They are currently seeking people for several positions. 

The Education Assistant position is a part-time (30 hrs/week) professional 3-month position that will support the Washington Youth Garden's Education Coordinator and other WYG staff in the execution and advancement of WYG's Garden Science program.  Via the Garden Science program, the WYG partners with local elementary schools to provide environmental science and nutrition education.  Key components: 1) an interactive eight week garden-based curriculum for third and fourth grade classes;  2) the development, installation, education and management of edible school gardens;  3) a full day field experience to the WYG in May for each school;  and 4) teacher trainings and parent orientations.   

 For additional details and application instructions please visit this page on the Washington Youth Garden website: Education Assistant

WYG is also hiring a Garden Manager. The Garden Manager is responsible for planning, designing and overseeing the maintenance of a ¾-acre demonstration and production garden used for WYG educational programs, workshops, trainings and U.S. National Arboretum visitors. 

For additional details on the Garden Manager position please visit: Garden Manager