Reduced pesticide use in public spaces evaluated

By Grace Lovins

During the Monday, April 7, Birmingham City Commission meeting, commissioners briefly analyzed the city’s progress in eliminating the use of insecticides and herbicides in public areas.

According to the report included in the meeting packet and written by department of public services (DPS) director Scott Zielinski, the city has been shifting away from chemical treatments toward more environmentally conscious strategies for a number of years. The goal with the shift, Zielinski wrote, is to encourage the growth of native plant species and prevent invasive species without the use of chemicals.

Historically, the city has tried to remove nuisance plants by hand when possible, but certain invasive species can continue to spread if pesticides are not used. The city’s golf courses have also been areas with more prevalent pesticide uses due to a higher aesthetic standard.

Zielinski reported that the city has limited chemical treatments to control diseases, such as using West Nile insecticide treatments of mosquitos in storm water collection points. No insecticides were used in 2024 at all, he wrote.

While pesticides have historically been used throughout the city, particularly on the golf courses, the department of public services notes that herbicide use on turf grass in parks has declined significantly over the last 10 years. Zielinski said this is in part due to unwanted weeds in grass becoming more culturally acceptable.

In instances where pesticide use is unavoidable, the staff responsible for using the pesticides are certified applicators through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Zielinski said. These staff members work to protect personal safety and limit the impact on the surrounding environment.

Moving forward, Zielinski said the city hopes to continue working toward eliminating pesticide use altogether and even mentioned limiting the use of fertilizers and fungicides. Zielinski’s report concludes by assuring commissioners and the public that DPS staff will continue to work with the city’s environmental sustainability committee to address new and better ways of eliminating pesticide usage.