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Does the Company... Guide for Choosing an • Washington Association of Pro- Have strong knowledge of pests? Forfessionals, example: 800-833-2186, www.walp.org • Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association, 800-672-7711, www.wsnla.org Eco-Friendly • International Society of Arboriculture, www. isa-arbor.com/ For pest control to be successful, the land- • Washington Chapter, American Society of scaper should have a strong background in Landscape Architects, 206-443-9484, www. Company insect life cycles, weeds and diseases, in- wasla.org • Washington Chapter, Association of Profes- used for each problem. sional Landscape Designers, www.apldwa. Ask the right questions to ensure your cluding identification, so the right strategy is org property and the environment are Install pest-resistant ? • Irrigation Association, www.irrigation.org safely and sustainably cared for References This guide is for the homeowner looking 1. WA State Nursery and Landscape Association. ecoPRO Cer- to hire a company to design, construct and manage their property utilizing eco-friendly Photo: bobistraveling via flickr.com 2. tifiedUnited Sustainable States Department Landscape of AgricultureProfessional. Natural 2016 [accessed Re- landscape practices. Sustainable landscap- Insect and disease resistance are major fac- 2020sources Oct Conservation 30]. https://ecoprocertified.org/ Service. Sampling Soils for Nutrient Management. 2007. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/ ing can improve health, increaes bio- tors landscapers should consider when se- FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs144p2_051273.pdf diversity, reduce dependence, and 3. Davis, J.G. and D. Whiting. Choosing a Soil Amendment. conserve streams and lakes—for greater - edu/docs/pubs//07235.pdf community and environmental health.1 lecting and installing plants. For example 4. 2013Buckler, [accessed L. The Hidden 2020 Oct Dangers 30]. https://extension.colostate. of Chemical . Occupational Health and Safety. 2018 Apr:3. plantsresistant) such and as leafrhododendrons characteristics exhibit (widened vari 5. Seattle Public Utilities. Natural Lawn Care for Western Building Healthy Soil ationsleaf margins) in color that (lighter naturally the makeflower, them the more gov/Documents/Departments/SPU/EnvironmentConser- Does the Company... resistant to root weevils. Washington.vation/NaturalLawnCare.pdf [accessed 2020 Nov 1]. http://www.seattle. 6. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Mulching: Work to improve lawn health? Other Credentials to Look Oct 30]. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/de- Backyardtail/?cid=nrcs143_023585 Conservation Tip Sheet. 2020 [accessed 2020 for in a Landscape Company: 7. University of Washington Botanic . How long have they depts.washington.edu/hortlib/resources/wp-resource_ P Experience: Answerssearch.php Database. 2018 [accessed 2020 Oct 30]. http:// been in the landscape industry? How 8. Penhallegon, R. Here’s the scoop on chemical and organic Grass clippings are a great source of nutri- long have they run their own company? - ents, contain much needed moisture, and fertilizers.ganic-fertilizers 2015 Mar [accessed 2020 Oct 31]. https:// quickly decompose. Lawn health can be im- P Education: What horticultural educa- 9. extension.oregonstate.edu/news/heres-scoop-chemical-orHansen, G. and Erin Alvarez. Landscape Design: Analyzing tion do they have? What kind of training proved with “grasscycling or “mulch mow- have they had in IPM, soils, insects, etc.? 10. Site1Hazardous Conditions. Waste 2010 Management [accessed 2020 Program Oct 31].of King https://edis. County. ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP42600.pdf on the lawn where it rapidly breaks down 2020 Oct 31]. https://www.piercecountywa.gov/Archive/ ing.”into theGrass soil. is 5finely This cutreduces and left the to need decompose for fer- P Certification: HowViewFile/Item/1267 to Choose A Landscape Company. 2006 [accessed they hold? WALP, WSNLA, WASLA, and 11. tilizers, prevents thatch buildup, reduces - time spent on lawn maintenance, and keeps What certifications do USDA Service. Native Gardening. [accessed 2020 Oct 31]. https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/Native_Plant_Ma What landscape asso- terials/Native_Gardening/index.shtmlThis project is funded by the King ISAP Affiliations: all have certification programs. County Wastewater Treatment Di- lawn health, consider ecolawn options like ciations are they part of that keep them vision. The content herein does not constitute an endorsement by King lawnmicroclover waste out which of landfills. pull nitrogen To really into improve the soil up to date on cutting edge research and new County government, its employees, sustainable practices? This document was created byor itsSharalyn elected andPeterson appointed and officials. Laura www.pesticide.org Keir. Northwest Center for Alternatives to , Dec. 2020 to provide flowers for pollinators. Does the Company... Mulch beds with organic materials? Natural Weed, Pest & Properly prepare & amend soil? Disease Control Does the Company... Annual mulching with organic materials Use methods like IPM? Plant care requires healthy, deep soil. Or- such as leaves, chips, bark or pro- ganic amendments such as compost, grass vides much needed weed and erosion con- clippings and straw are biodegradable and trol. It retains moisture in the soil, reducing environmentally friendly. They increase soil summer watering needs while slowly feed- organic matter content—improving soil aer- ing the soil as it decomposes.6 - When looking to hire a landscaper you 3 should know if they use environmentally trient holding capacity. Chemical fertilizers Use natural fertilizers? ation,are non-biodegradable water infiltration, and and often water detrimen and nu- safe methods and an Integrated Pest Man- tal to the environment. They seep through agement (IPM) approach. Do they monitor the soil into the groundwater, polluting wa- for pests instead of spraying pesticides on a ter sources and altering soil pH, which can schedule? IPM aims to prevent and manage lead to low yields.4 weeds, insects, and diseases rather than con- trol them using chemical pesticides.10

Install native plants? Image: © Milorganite It’s important to use natural fertilizers that Regularly maintain & adjust do not harm plants or the environment. irrigation systems? “Quick-release” or fast-acting water soluble When designing a landscape, it’s best to in- nitrogen fertilizers can overfeed plants caus- stall plants that will be sustainable in the ing damage (slow/no growth, yellow leaves) long term. Choose native plants or those Photo: F.D. Richards via flickr.com adapted for your zone as they require mini- wash off into streams and lakes harming mal maintenance while providing important fromaquatic accumulated life.7 Natural, salts, organic and orthe slow-release excess can ecosystem and health services (no fertilizers last longer, are safer for plants, In terms of water evaporation, drip irriga- or pesticide requirements, minimal water more sustainable for soil health, and less Yourtion orirrigation soaker hosesplan should provide fit wateryour soil directly type. needs, erosion control, air pollution reduc- likely to run off.8 A fertilization schedule is to the plant’s roots therefore reducing evap- tion, and wildlife hab- important for proper plant growth and long- oration. Automatic irrigation systems can be 11 itat and food). term maintenance. adjusted by a landscaper for water conser- vation. Design around existing conditions? Conduct soil testing & sampling? Monitor for beneficials & pests? Image: Olds College An inventory and analysis of your yard is critical in the landscape design process so 9 Soil building is integral in creating a healthy landscape. A soil test determines fertility thatlandscaper desired will features work with fit sitewhat conditions.your prop- levels and helps with nutrient management. The IPM approach requires regular sampling Healthyerty already has to offer.fit their Sun site, and and shade a good ar- Routine soil testing and sampling is essential eas, slopes, soil types, drainage and moisture undesired insects, other pests and weeds. 2 all affect which plants will thrive with few assuring proper planting. toBiweekly observe monitoring the presence is suggested of beneficial to track and 10 for diagnosing landscape deficiencies and whether pests are at acceptable numbers. disease or pest problems. www.pesticide.org