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What is the intent of the Healthy
Horticultural Landscapes By-law?
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The By-law was developed to help reduce
pesticide use on horticultural landscapes by only permitting pesticides to be
applied on a spot treatment basis for insect and weed control. In addition,
the By-law encourages the use of qualified (IPM accredited) persons who will
provide a complete maintenance program that identifies and manages pests in
an environmentally responsible manner.
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What is IPM?
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Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a
process that uses all necessary techniques to suppress pests effectively,
economically and in an environmentally sound manner to sustain healthy
landscapes. The advantages of using
an IPM program include:
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Providing
long-term solutions to pest problems;
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Protecting the
environment and human health by reducing pesticide use;
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Providing
alternative treatments to pest problems;
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Preventing
pesticide resistant pests from developing; and,
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Enabling turf
managers to control pesticide-resistant pests.
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What
is considered a horticultural landscape?
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A horticultural landscape includes maintained lawns and ornamental
plantings including trees, shrubs and flowerbeds but does not include
vegetable gardens or fruit trees or hard surfaces such as driveways and patio
stones.
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What is spot treatment?
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Spot treatment means the application of
pesticides to no more than 20% of the horticultural landscape within a 30-day
period. Only the weed/pest is
targeted instead of treating the entire area, thereby reducing the amount of
pesticides applied.
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Can I spray my own lawn?
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You can only spot spray your lawn.
A sign must be posted at all access points immediately prior to
spraying and remain there for 48 hours after the pesticide application. No herbicides may be applied in July and
August for weed control.
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Does the By-law affect ‘weed and feed’
products?
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A weed and feed product contains herbicides
and fertilizers. The herbicides are
meant to destroy weeds while fertilizers simultaneously feed your lawn. The product cannot be applied to your
whole lawn.
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What products can I use?
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Products sold commercially have a Pesticide Control Product number
(PCP#) and can be used on a spot treatment basis. You can use homemade products at any time. Ensure they are safe to use and have no adverse
affects on human health or the surrounding environment.
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If I decide to go “pesticide-free,” can I
expect the same results?
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Pesticides only correct a situation
temporarily. Patience is required
when converting your lawn to a pesticide-free lawn. Producing a healthy lawn requires acceptance of biodiversity
and a habitat for insects and weeds that are controlled but not eliminated.
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Who
can spray my lawn?
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Any resident can spot spray their own lawn
and/or a qualified person. Under the
By-law a qualified person means, “A person who holds a degree in
horticultural science, IPM Accreditation (by the IPM Council of Canada) or
similar qualification.”
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Who is the IPM/PHC Council of Canada?
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The IPM/PHC Council of Canada consists of
industry associations, government regulators and advisors, and groups
committed to having integrated pest management (IPM) as the new standard in
turf and landscape care. The Council
sets standards for the accreditation procedure and makes decisions on
conferring and revoking accreditation privileges.
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How do I know if a company is IPM accredited?
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The company vehicle will have a sticker on
the side of the truck saying they are IPM accredited by the IPM/PHC Council
of Canada. A public information
record of all IPM accredited companies operating in the Town of Caledon will
be recorded. You can confirm their
status of IPM accreditation by calling the Town of Caledon, By-law
Enforcement & Property Standards Section at (905) 584-2272 or you can
visit the Town’s Web site at www.caledon.ca for a list of IPM accredited companies.
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Is a permit required for treating the entire
landscape area for an infestation?
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Notification is required for the broad
application of pesticides for infestations.
The infestation must be confirmed by an IPM accredited company or a
qualified person. There is no cost to
obtain an infestation permit from the Town of Caledon and in most cases it
will be issued immediately upon receiving the application. An inspection may be required prior to the
pesticide application. Staff will
rely on the qualified individual to use IPM principles before resorting to
the broad application of pesticides.
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What if I see someone spraying?
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One of the reasons for having this type of regulation is
education. Firstly the resident will
be made aware of the By-law and its existence. Secondly, they will be directed towards alternatives or
practices that do not require the broad application of pesticides. Complaints, concerns or inquiries can be
directed to Town of Caledon, By-law Enforcement Property & Standards
Section at (905) 584-2272 during regular business hours.
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What can I do to have a healthy lawn?
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You
can keep your lawn healthy by using the following maintenance practices:
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Mow your lawn
at a height of no less than three inches and keep your mower blade sharp.
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One inch of
water a week at dawn or dusk is all that is needed. Lawns naturally go dormant during a drought and a healthy lawn
with healthy soil will rebound when it rains again.
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Aerate at
least once a year to help oxygen, water and nutrients to reach grass roots.
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Leave the
clippings on the lawn. They will be
broken down and add free nutrients to your lawn.
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Over-seed thin
or bare areas with a mixture of grass seed and a combination of compost,
topsoil, triple mix, composted manure or peat moss.
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Diversify your
property with native species such as low growing groundcovers, shrubs, trees
and plants, using them in areas where turf is difficult to establish.
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