Announcements

As part of the community’s ongoing efforts to improve landscape maintenance practices and support our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, a new weed management pilot study will begin this month on recently renovated slopes.

The pilot follows the community’s ongoing acacia removal program, which is necessary to meet Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) standards. As acacia removal and slope renovation create newly planted open areas that can be more susceptible to weed growth, the Integrated Pest Management Advisory Committee supported testing several maintenance approaches to weed management.

The goal of the study is to identify the most effective organic-first maintenance approach for controlling weeds while supporting healthy plant establishment. LARMAC will evaluate each method based on its effectiveness, cost, and ongoing maintenance requirements. Results from the pilot will help guide future landscape maintenance practices as the community continues to refine its evolving IPM program.

The pilot study is expected to continue through spring 2027 and will evaluate four treatment areas. Three areas are located along Sienna Parkway and the fourth area is behind Christopher Street in Covenant Hills:

• Organic post-emergent treatment zone: Weeds will be spot-sprayed with an organic treatment, Suppress, by a licensed technician. Like Lifeline and Atrimmec, this product is not on the Prop 65 list. NOTE: the 60-day pause remains in place for both Lifeline and Atrimmec.
• Pre-emergent and mulch zone: Specticle G, a granular pre-emergent will be applied in combination with mulch. This product is not on the Prop 65 list.
• Mulch only zone: Mulch will be applied without a pre-emergent treatment.
• Pre-emergent only zone: Specticle G, a granular pre-emergent will be applied without mulch.

Pilot Study Along Sienna Parkway

Pilot Study Behind Christopher Street 

Signs will be posted to clearly identify each treatment area, and photographs will be taken weekly to document progress and compare results over time. You can follow along on the IPM page on Laderalife.com.

Temporary Trail, Sidewalk and Street Closure: August 13–14

This week, a Turboscape truck will be applying mulch at two locations identified on the project map. This work will require a temporary trail, sidewalk and street closure on Thursday, August 13 and Friday, August 14.

We understand that these closures may be an inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to launch the pilot study ahead of the start of school next week. For everyone’s safety, please follow all posted signs and avoid closed areas while work is underway.