Plastic mesh netting under grass areas

Asked February 24, 2024, 11:06 AM EST

Greetings: During some cleanup work along the edge of the herb and pollinator garden that I maintain at my cooperative, I discovered that there is plastic mesh netting appr. 1½ inches below the surface of all of the grass that was laid down by contractors after a repair to the area damaged by a piece of machinery. In some places, where the grassy area is balding, this mesh is already visible at the surface. (See photos). A web search turned up multiple reliable sources that underscore how harmful this non-biodegradable material is for the environment and for wildlife (see links below). In these sources it is described as degradable, not biodegradable. I also visited two local nurseries, both of which indicate that this material will only degrade after many decades. One noted that this plastic mesh is hard to avoid at this time when sod is layed down; the other said that their provider never uses this mesh, and confirmed that it is detrimental to the environment. I would like to know the state stance on this plastic mesh. I would be glad to know that there is movement to require discontinuation of its use before it becomes ubiquitous. Thank you. Request to Board/Thornhill: In future, if any new sod is to be laid upon the property, Thornhill will specify that no plastic mesh or any other material that is not fully certified as biodegradable will be left in/on the ground. REFERENCES: Plastic netting – harm to environment and wildlife Wildlife entanglement, causing injury and death, occurs when animals get caught in plastic netting found in erosion control mats and blankets. Negative impacts from plastic netting reach across all species groups, including snakes, frogs, lizards, turtles, fish, small mammals, and birds. Source: https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/WLfriendlyErosionControl__final.pdf https://thelawnman.co.uk/plastic-netting-in-turf-a-nightmare-for-wildlife-and-gardeners/ https://union.ces.ncsu.edu/2022/05/the-dangers-of-plastic-netting/

Baltimore City County Maryland

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