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Landscapers: Top 10 Green Practices

Courtesy of Bay Area Green Business Program

1. Right Plant, Right Place Use hydrozoning (grouping plants with similar water needs), use drought tolerant and disease resistant plants (native plants!).
2. Landscape for Less to the Landfill Mulch or compost green waste on site, avoid plants that require extensive pruning, grasscycle, separate green waste for recycling.
3. Integrated Pest Management Use IPM techniques: monitor pests and their natural enemies, use pest-resistant plants, evaluate damage vs. need to treat, use least toxic alternatives, spot treat if needed.
4. Reduce chemical use Use IPM techniques, use compost instead of chemical fertilizers for soil and plant health.
5. Reduce water use at your job sites Use drought tolerant plants, hydrozone, mulch, monitor irrigation schedule and system and in your office - install low flow devices on sinks and use water-conserving toilets.
6. Nurture soil health Minimize tillage and chemical applications, use compost and mulch.
7. Prevent storm water run-off Keep pesticides, soil, leaves and debris out of storm drains, keep vehicles and equipment leak-free.
8. Buy recycled-content products In your office, buy recycled content paper products; in landscaping, use recycled lumber and other recycled content materials.
9. Reduce energy usage Use energy efficient lighting in your office and monitor your energy bills.
10. Reduce emissions Keep vehicles well-maintained and encourage employees to take public transit or carpool.