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

What can you do to green your property?

• Use healthy lawn care practices in mowing, watering, fertilizing, seeding, aerating, dethatching and regular checks
• 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

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.

You can calculate the emissions produced by your current lawnmower on Environment Canada’s Environmental Technology Centre website at:
http://www.etc-cte.ec.gc.ca/databases/fuelcalc_e.html

If replacing your gas-powered lawnmower with a cleaner alternative is not an option, ensure that your mower is at least operating efficiently. Proper maintenance will keep your lawnmower operating better and longer. We have tips on lawnmower care to help.