Our members’ focus is on horticulture and creation of healthy green spaces, not on pesticides.
Our members use their expertise in horticultural knowledge and skill in the creation and maintenance of healthy green spaces. Pesticides are only used when required.
Pesticides are medicines for plants. They should be treated with the same kind of respect as medicine and used the same way. They should not be used in isolation treating just the symptom. The focus should be on doing all that is possible to keep plants healthy through optimum cultural conditions.
When the use of pesticides is required, our members will only use the least toxic material for the job.
Our members believe in pesticide reduction through focussing on good horticultural practices. The best way to keep lawns free of weeds is to start with good soil, good seed, higher mowing heights, fertilizer and regular watering. A healthy dense carpet of turf will greatly reduce the need for herbicides. However, when weeds do become a problem, herbicides can be used judiciously and safely. Once dry they do not dislodge.
The products used by our members have undergone stringent testing and are regulated by Health Canada. Health Canada has stated that when used properly the use of pesticides poses no unacceptable risk to the environment or to the health of Canadians. Care should be taken to use them only when required, in order to minimize exposure to self and public.
Landscape Ontario members believe in strict regulation and testing of products. They look forward to Health Canada registering less toxic products, currently available in the United States.
Landscape Ontario members are licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Environment. Every commercial applicator in Ontario must pass a formal examination and a practical test before they are allowed to apply a pesticide.
Landscape Ontario members welcome and encourage the use of alternatives. Research into host specific fungus and corn gluten products to control weeds is showing promise and potential. Certain nematodes for controlling grub problems are also hopeful, however, these solutions require more research before broad acceptance.
The industry believes in appropriate regulations that protect health, safety and the environment. Regulations should be based on science, not politics or activism. The industry is committed to reduced pesticide use through improved education and through integrated pest management approaches.
Landscape Ontario believes that pesticide use should be regulated at the provincial level to ensure common use standards across the province. Municipal control will result in uneven standards that are difficult to enforce.
