On the Use of Pesticides for Lawn Care

June 2004

The Landscape New Brunswick Horticultural Trades Association (LNBHTA) represents the “Green Industry” — (nursery and greenhouse growers, garden centers, landscape contractors, municipalities, etc.). One of the key roles for this group is to establish and work with plants to improve the landscape and outdoor environment.

Turf grasses and lawns are considered to be one of the most practical and effective ground covers. They are ideally suited for landscaping around homes, commercial developments and public properties. They are also one of the most cost-effective and adaptable ground covers for land reclamation projects, soil erosion/sedimentation control and roadside/stream bank stabilization.

A successful Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program is founded on good plant health and the prevention of pest problems before they occur. It is our position that a healthy lawn maintained using IPM principles will be acceptable to most people.

A pesticide when used correctly within an IPM regime is similar to the use of medicines by humans when stress, injury or illness is encountered. Intervention may be required occasionally to nurture the patient back to better health. Repeated and regular use of pesticides is not required. It is often a symptom that other problems likely exist and should be addressed i.e., poor management decisions, poor soils, inadequate drainage, too much shade etc.

IPM Accreditation is a national, industry driven and third party regulated certification program fully endorsed by the LNB. It will ensure that indiscriminate pesticide usage is eliminated and that public and environmental safety is protected. The process is transparent and accountable to both federal and provincial pesticide regulatory authorities. The LNB is confident that an IPM Accreditation program will provide added assurance about acceptable pest management practices and plant health care.