Case Studies - California Compliant

Cheda Knolls HOA Board Member, Novato CA

Per phone conversation with Board member Elise Sache

"The Novato Fire Marshall was also impressed and has identified Cheda Knolls HOA as a model for firebreak abatement."

In 2006 H_M_O ℠ was used on 10 acres, which took about 3 days. In 2007 planned on expanding the use of H_M_O ℠; to 20-30 acres. They are on hilly property and have difficult areas to reach.

They wanted to use a non-toxic method because of the wildlife in the area: deer, turkey, foxes, woodpeckers and many others. They were also concerned with the health issues surrounding the use of herbicides. Another major factor in using H_M_O ℠ is because of the disposal challenge. Their past method involved weed whipping, but then they had to go back and gather the whacked weeds to disposed of them. In addition, using a gas powered weed whacker can also pose a fire hazard, as happened in the previous year: A spark caused a fire in their open space. H_M_O ℠ gave them a safer and healthier alternative.

Cheda Knolls Board and residents are very pleased with the results. The Novato Fire Marshall was also impressed and has identified Cheda Knolls HOA as a model for firebreak abatement. An 82 year old resident who has been very involved with landscaping at the Cheda Knolls for many years was immensely impressed with the H_M_O ℠ results. Cheda Knolls residents commented that the noise pollution factor was greatly reduced using H_M_O ℠ as compared to weed whipping. In addition, with the H_M_O ℠ water system there was no airborne dust or chaff flying about during the application which greatly reduced and/or eliminated allergic and asthmatic reactions as is generally caused by the weed whipping method Cheda Knolls previously used. Cost is comparable to Roundup.

The only complaint from residents is that the two weeks following the application, there was dust (windy Novato didn't help). But after two weeks the dust subsided and their were no more complaints: a small price to pay considering the long term benefits. She will let me know when they plan to do the next H_M_O ℠ application and is open to having others come and observe.