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Citizen Action

City of Burlington staff are involved in Halton Partners for Naturally Green along with Halton Region, and the Towns of Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills. In June 2003, the partners started a public education and awareness-raising program to inform the community about the potential risks of pesticides and other options that are available, such as biological and cultural control methods to create healthy and attractive lawns and gardens.

Some of the educational material developed included a ‘naturally green’ lawn sign and sticker; a brochure, accompanying pamphlet and display with the key message “ten steps to be naturally green;” and a point of purchase program. The brochure was reviewed and redeveloped in 2007.

Studies have shown that in order to change behaviour, personal communication is necessary. As a result, the annual pesticide exchange was organized allowing staff to talk one-on-one with residents while providing educational information and giveaways.

Pesticide Exchange 2003 – 2009

Halton Partners for Naturally Green organized pesticide exchange events for June 2-7, 2003, May 31-June 5, 2004, June 11th, 2005, June 10, 2006, June 9, 2007, June 7, 2008 and June 6, 2009. Another event is scheduled for June 6, 2009. Every year, staff encourage the return of old or unused pesticides and other household hazardous wastes to the Household Hazardous Waste Depot in exchange for prizes and/or educational information. In previous years, pesticide free action kits were distributed that contained information on how to grow a healthy lawn, green gardening fact sheets, composting information, a lawn sign, a yard waste bag, seeds, stickers, and other 'Naturally Green' promotional items. Some residents also received backyard composters, blue boxes, garden stepping stones, dandelion weed twisters, bags of premium grass feed, and the grand prize of a wagon of lawn and garden items.

The greatest return of pesticides since the Naturally Green campaign began was achieved in 2007 with 1620 litres diverted. To see a report on annual statistics from 2003-2008, please click here.

Provincial Cosmetic Pesticide Ban in effect from April 22, 2009

Ontario Ministry of the Environment media release.

Healthy Lawns

Preventing weeds and pests from invading your lawn is the best approach to keeping a healthy lawn. A healthy, thick, deep-rooted lawn is less likely to get pest damage reducing the need for pesticides to control pests. Healthy lawns are also less likely to be affected by drought, temperature extremes and general wear and tear.

The transition to a more environmentally friendly approach to lawn care may take a season or two to achieve the results you want. Halton Partners for Naturally Green promote ten steps to be naturally green. They are:

  1. Overseed
  2. Mow high
  3. Grasscycle
  4. Spread compost
  5. Water roots deeply
  6. Help your lawn breathe
  7. Feed the soil
  8. Protect your helpers
  9. Control pests naturally
  10. Try something different

Further information about each of the above steps is available on the Halton Partners for Naturally Green website.

Promote Biodiversity

A lawn doesn’t have to be just grass. Many people enjoy the look of other plants in the lawn, such as white clover. Variety in plant types can prevent pest problems from spreading to the whole lawn.

A diverse landscape with a variety of plants is better for the environment because it:

  • is more attractive to birds, butterflies and other wildlife; and
  • can be easier to maintain when the right plants are selected for the right conditions

When there are places where you cannot grow a lawn, try growing plants more adapted to the area. Other plants can make good groundcovers, especially for shaded, dry or other difficult sites. Experiment with alternative landscapes, such as native plants, mulched perennial beds or rock and alpine gardens. These are drought resistant and require less maintenance.

Work with nature

Birds and predatory insects feed on grubs and other bugs. Insects, earthworms, beneficial insects and earthworms, beneficial fungi and other microorganisms break down thatch and aerate the soil. Protect beneficial insects and earthworms by reducing your use of insecticides and fungicides.

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) puts the emphasis on prevention and considers all the management options before deciding on the most effective, economical and environmental means of managing a pest problem.

Elements of IPM programs are:

  • prevention;
  • regular monitoring;
  • identification of pest or problem;
  • assessment of problem to decide on what action to take;
  • use of a variety of tactics as necessary to deal with pest problem; and
  • evaluation of the results and adjustment to the lawn care program as needed.

1. Prevention

This is the best approach for controlling pests as it offers lasting benefits and is more effective overall than using pesticides to control individual pest problems.

Prevention includes:
  • providing good soil, with ample depth and organic matter;
  • choosing the right mixture of grasses for the conditions; and
  • making long-term changes, such as improving drainage in wet areas or replacing lawns in problem areas with other types of landscaping.

2. Regular Monitoring

Regular inspection of the lawn makes it possible to detect pests and other problems early.

3. Identification of pest or problem

Correct identification of problems is important because:

  • Plant damage may not be caused by pests. Plants can be injured by bad growing conditions or practices, and environmental problems such as road salt or dog urine.
  • Good insects may be mistaken for pests.
  • You need to know the pest in order to look up life cycle and other information that will help you decide if and when to apply treatments and how to prevent further problems.

4. Assessment of problem to decide on what action to take

The presence of a few weeds or insect pests in healthy lawns may not be cause for concern. Keep an eye on the pest problem and get more information if necessary before deciding whether or not treatments are needed and how and when to apply treatments.

5. Use of a variety of tactics as necessary to deal with pest problem

Is there a need to change lawn care practices?
If weeds or other pests are invading the lawn, you may need to correct drainage problems, add lime, increase mowing height, remove thatch or make other improvements.

6. Evaluation of the results and adjustment to the lawn care program as needed.

Choosing a Lawn Care Company

If you decide to use a professional service to maintain your lawn, how can you be sure that the company will do a good job? Before you select a service, here are some questions to consider:

1. Is the company willing and able to discuss the maintenance/treatment for your home? Do they base their programs on "Integrated Pest Management" (IPM)? Ask for details regarding the programs they offer.

2. Does the company have a good track record? Do some research. Ask neighbours or friends to recommend companies. Check the Better Business Bureau to find out if they have received complaints.

3. Is the company affiliated with a professional association? Professional associations, such as Landscape Ontario, keep members informed of new developments in pest control methods, safety, training, research, and regulations. Members agree to honour a code of ethics. The fact that a company, small or large, chooses to join a professional association signals its concern for quality.

The above "tips for a healthy lawn" is based on information provided by Health Canada - Healthy Lawns Strategy as well as information in a "Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety", U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For further information, please check out the following links:

· Province of Ontario OMAFRA Lawn Care Sites

· Health Canada's Healthy Lawns Site

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