How can landscapers "green" their businesses? First bring their operations into compliance with all environmental regulations, then adopt pollution prevention and resource conservation practices. The program checklists offer a variety of options for meeting program standards. Here are some examples of what you can do.
Top 10 Tips for Landscapers
Planting
- Right Plant, Right Place. Use hydrozoning (grouping plants with similar water needs), use drought tolerant and disease resistant plants (native plants!).
- Landscape for Less to the Landfill. Mulch or compost green waste on site, avoid plants that require extensive pruning, grasscycle, separate green waste for recycling.
Chemicals and Pesticides
- Integrated Pest Management. Use IPM techniques: monitor pests and their natural enemies, use pest-resistant plants, evaluate damage vs. need to treat, use least toxic alternatives, spot treat if needed.
- Reduce chemical use. Use IPM techniques, use compost instead of chemical fertilizers for soil and plant health.
Water and Soil
- Prevent storm water run-off. Keep pesticides, soil, leaves and debris out of storm drains, keep vehicles and equipment leak-free.
- Reduce water use at your job sites. Use drought tolerant plants, hydrozone, mulch, monitor irrigation schedule and system and in your office - install low flow devices on sinks and use water-conserving toilets.
- Nurture soil health.
Energy Savings and Landscaping Materials
- Buy recycled-content products. In your office, buy recycled content paper products; in landscaping, use recycled lumber and other recycled content materials.
- Reduce energy usage. Use energy efficient lighting in your office and monitor your energy bills.
- Reduce emissions. Keep vehicles well-maintained and encourage employees to take public transit or carpool.
