Integrated
Pest Management (I.P.M.)
People concerned about the perceived dangers in caring
for their lawns should be aware that there is a method that will reduce
the need for pest controls and still deliver beautiful results.
The new method for growing beautiful lawns, with less
impact on the environment, is called I.P.M. or Integrated Pest Management. I.P.M.
is a method of doing cultural practices like mowing, watering, fertilizing,
and compaction management, the right way. The focus is to
grow healthy plants that will be stronger and better able to withstand
invasion from diseases, weeds and insects that could cause the plant's
harm. Of course, pest can and do many times invade plants to the point
that some controls may be necessary. Control of the pests would be
determined by first scouting the plants and making a determination
as to whether or not the number of pests warrant applying pest controls.
If it is determined that pest controls are needed, they would then
be applied only to the areas which need the controls. The materials
to be used would also be reviewed to be certain that the product will
cause little or no harm to beneficial insects that may also be present.
I.P.M. has been used for many years now in Agriculture
and ornamental horticulture. One Step Tree and Lawncare has
been a pioneer in this process. One Step began testing the
I.P.M. approach in the early 1980s and expanded this technique into
all of the services that they now offer. The process is a bit more
costly for smaller properties, mainly because the person who is visiting
the property requires more experience and training to be able to know
when and where to look for pests. Customers feel more secure knowing
that the pest controls are being used properly, only when and where
they are needed. One Step also adds; that on larger commercial properties, I.P.M.
can actually save a customer money by not making blanket applications
where they are not needed. In these cases, the money saved
on the products which are not used, usually more than offsets the cost
for professional scouting and mapping of a property.
Homeowners who chose to do their own tree and lawn care
may find it more difficult than the professional. Many of the products
which are available to homeowners are a combination product, which
combines fertilizer with a pest control. When these products are used,
it is impossible to apply the pest controls only where they are needed.
Do-it-yourselfers should try to fertilize the lawns or plants, and
then look for individual pest control products should they be required.
With a little more effort and careful examination of
your lawns and plants, there really is a way to have a beautiful lawn
and landscape, and care for the environment too. Give I.P.M. a try,
we’ll all be glad you did.
If you need more help or information with this
topic or any other lawn or tree care questions, please contact
us.
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