04 ATTACHMENT 05 - Laserfiche WebLink

Int@gTat@d P@St MCrncxg@m@nt is a holistic approach to controlling insects, plant diseases, weeds, and other pests. IPM programs integrate the use of many environmentally-sound strategies for managing, but not necessarily eliminating, pests. First and foremost, IPM seeks to prevent pests by fostering a healthy environment in which plants have the strength to resist disease and insect infestations and to out- compete weeds. An IPM approach requires an understanding of the life cycles of pests and beneficial organisms and regular monitoring of their populations. If a pest problem is identified, IPM then considers all viable solutions and uses a variety of techniques to control pests, rather than turning only to pesticides. The least toxic pesticides are used as a last resort only. IPM offers a great opportunity to market your skills to your clients by providing the following services: ~,~ ..y V ~r .~ a I Use Integrated Pest Management A. r'r ^ Cleaning equipment after use. ^ Inspecting and removing invasive plant parts or seeds from your clothing, tools and vehicle before leaving an infested site. ^ Cleaning up wood, fruit and other plant material that is infected with disease -compost the debris only if you have the experience to get the compost pile to temperatures over 135° F for an extended period. A healthy, diverse landscape that prevents pests in the first place is critical to eliminating the need for pesticides, thereby reducing pollution and protecting the health of the San Francisco Bay Applying the best landscape design, construction and management practices to prevent pests is always preferable to trying to control them after they become established. Design to prevent pests by: ^ Choosing a diversity of species that are well suited to the site. ^ Selecting resistant varieties and local native species, including species that attract benefcial insects. ^ Placing plants at proper distances from buildings, giving them space for adequate air circulation and room to reach their natural size and shape. ^ Avoiding over-planting for instant color. ^ Including compost in the soil specif cations Prevent pests during landscape construction and maintenance by: ^ Selecting plant material that is free from disease and insects. ^ Planting at the right depth. ^ Watering thoroughly but not over- watering. ^ Sheetmulch, see page 3 I . ^ Keeping mulch on the surface of the soil at all times. ^ Using slow release fertilizers if soil tests indicate their need, and not over-fertilizing. ^ Pruning judiciously -severe pruning stimulates new growth, stresses plants and encourages pests and disease. ^ Eliminating noxious weeds before they go to seed or spread uncontrollably. Prevent weeds first: ^ Purchase only weed free plants and compost ^ Use drip irrigation to apply water only to desired plants ^ Use mulch to suppress weeds. Sheet mulching is an effective strategy that layers cardboard, compost and then coarse mulch (see page 31). Monitor weeds: ^ Create a map that locates the species and density of weeds Try cultural, mechanical & physical controls before reaching for the herbicides: ^ Flame weeders use a targeted flame to kill weeds and are very effective for controlling weeds in sidewalks and other hardscapes. ^ Boiling water, hot foam and high pressure steam both work to kill weeds and are a better option in areas where an open flame may be hazardous. Select herbicides as a last resort & use the least toxic: ^ Corn gluten meal is apre-emergent herbicide that also acts as a fertilizer.The timing of the application is important, if it is used after weeds have started growing, they will actually benefit from its fertilizing properties. ^ Horticultural vinegar, or acetic acid, is also effective at killing certain weeds. Use with caution since acetic acid greater than 5% can cause skin irritation or eye damage. ^ Herbicidal soaps are highly refined soaps that can penetrate the waxy coating on plant leaves, causing them to dry out. Some of these products also contain essential oils that enhance their herbicidal properties. ADAPTED FROM QUARLES, WILLIAM, SAY GOOD-BYE TO WEED WORRIES, FINE GARDENING, 80, PP. 48-51 AND BEYOND PESTICIDES FACT SHEET: LEAST TOX/C CONTROL OF WEEDS. 42