DuPont Imprelis Recall May Be Issued Amid Reports of Tree Problems, Death

DuPont is reportedly planning to recall Imprelis herbicide, amid multiple class action lawsuits alleging that the popular weedkiller is damaging and killing trees at parks, golf courses and other properties throughout the United States.

Since DuPont Imprelis herbicide was approved for sale in October 2010, the manufacturer has received a growing number of complaints that suggest it is doing more than just killing weeds, causing thousands of mature trees to die.

Last month, the first DuPont Imprelis class action lawsuit was filed in Delaware on behalf of several Michigan-area country clubs and property owners. Since then, at least two other Imprelis lawsuits have been filed on behalf of Iowa residents who allege that the herbicide killed or damaged trees on their property.

While DuPont promoted Imprellis as a herbicide to target broadleaf weeds, such as dandelioon, clover, plantains, wild violet and ground ivy, the company advised consumers in June 2011 not to use Imprellis near Norway spruce and white pines.

Since Memorial Day, Imprelis is suspected of causing the death of thousands of shallow-rooted trees on lawns, golf courses, parks and cemeteries throughout the U.S., including willows, poplars and conifers. Lawsuits over Imprelis allege that tens of thousands of additional trees are likely to be killed as a result of the weedkiller.

According to a report by Reuters, the EPA is preparing to issue a “stop sale” order and issued a letter to DuPont earlier this week strongly encouraging the company to release thousands of confidential documents involving the problems with Imprelis.

DuPont has now confirmed that it plans to stop selling the herbicide and is in discussions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the most effective way to implement an Imprelis recall, including a product return and refund program.

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