The City of Pickering:

• Has significantly reduced the use of pesticides on public lands over the last seven years
• Has developed an Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM)
• Supports the naturalization of areas
• Maintains no-spray zones around properties abutting schools
• Uses drought-tolerant grasses in landscaping
• Uses all-natural fertilizers
• has experimented with alternatives such as horticultural vinegar
• Practises proper lawn and garden care through aerating, overseeding, regular checks, water management through irrigation systems and raised mowing heights
• Supports the provincial pesticide use legislation through education of residents and businesses including the City’s website, information displays, Seedy Saturday events and Lush Lawns & Gorgeous Gardens workshops

• Use healthy lawn care practices in mowing, watering, fertilizing, seeding, aerating and dethatching
• Make your own environmentally friendly pesticide alternatives, and keep your plants healthy to ward off pests
• Spread nutrient-heavy tree trimmings and leaves around the base of plants to keep moisture in and weeds down

• Beneficial Insects 
• Bird Gardens
• Butterfly Gardens
• Natural Neighbours
• Naturescaping
• Organic Lawn Care
• Landscaping for Energy Conservation
• Deer and Rabbit Resistant Plants
• Invasive Plant List

Reconsider using gas-powered lawnmowers
Gas-powered lawnmowers contribute to smog by emitting pollutants. Many homeowners are replacing their lawn mowers with electric, battery, or non-motorized push mowers.