Why Be Concerned?
Rain and melting snow carry small amounts of oil, grease, soil, debris and other pollutants to rivers, lakes and wetlands. Lawn fertilizer and pesticides are among the pollutants that have been found in storm water runoff.

Lawn service providers throughout Southeast Michigan are being asked to minimize fertilizers and pesticides – but chemical use reduction depends on customer interest.
Healthy Lawn Care Program for Watershed Protection
Lawn care service providers have worked cooperatively with public agencies and education groups over the past three years to develop a lawn care program option that is river-friendly – with a clear reduction in fertilizers and pesticides. The basic components of the “Healthy Lawn Care Program for Watershed Protection” and the endorsed firms are listed here.

The key services that are required as part of a private “healthy lawn care program” include the following:

• An initial on-site consultation offered to customers before recommending a program.

• Soil nutrient tests offered to all new customers.

• Fertilizer options for customers with an emphasis on slow-release fertilizer. Some companies offer natural organic fertilizers while others offer synthetic slow-release fertilizers (with 50% or more water-insoluble nitrogen, or W.I.N.)


• Fertilizer quantities of either 2, 3, or 4 pounds of nitrogen applied on the lawn over the growing season – depending on the type of turf.

• Low-phosphorus option if a high level of water quality protection is desired. (Note: Since Southeast Michigan soils already have some phosphorus, a zero phosphorus fertilizer does not improve the environmental impact significantly).

• Pesticide options which may include:
- zero pesticide program
- spot-treatment for weeds (NOT weed-and-feed)
- one-time “rescue operation” for weed control

• Advice to the customer on proper maintenance practices such as mowing and watering
Endorsed Healthy Lawn Care Contractors in Michigan
 
FOR THE ENDORSED MICHIGAN GREEN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION LAWN CARE PROFESSIONALS OFFERING THE HEALTHY LAWN CARE PROGRAM FOR WATERSHED PROTECTION, click here.
 
For more information on the MGIA or our members, contact Karla J. Trosen at (248) 646-4992 or karla@landscape.org.  Visit our web site at www.landscape.org. 

As additional companies are endorsed by the Michigan Green Industry Association, they will be added to the list.

Customers are encouraged to contact several firms to compare services and prices. You may also encourage another landscaper (perhaps your present service) to participate in the Healthy Lawn Program for Watershed Protection. Landscapers should call 248-646-4992 weekdays for an application package.

Service Agreement Reminder
When you receive the proposed service agreement (signed by the company’s owner or manager), review it carefully. The service agreement should set forth the approximate schedule and frequency of services, all fees, and other pertinent product information. Without a written proposal, it is easy to misunderstand what the lawn service is offering.

Questions About Landscaping Companies? Call…

• Better Business Bureau: 248-644-9100
• Michigan Consumer Protection Office, Office of the Attorney General: 517-373-1140
• Michigan Dept. of Agriculture, Pesticide and Plant Pest Division: 248-356-1701

Questions about Environmental and Health Effects of Specific Chemicals? Call…
• National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN) 1-800-858-7378
Questions About Landscaping Companies? Call…
• Better Business Bureau: 248-644-9100

• Michigan Consumer Protection Office,
Office of the Attorney General: 517-373-1140

• Michigan Dept. of Agriculture,
Pesticide and Plant Pest Division: 248-356-1701

Questions about Environmental and Health Effects of Specific Chemicals? Call…
• National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN) 1-800-858-7378
For a healthy lawn care information package, including a brochure titled "Questions to Ask Lawn Service Providers", contact SOCRRA (Southeastern Oakland County Resource Recovery Authority) weekdays at: 248/288-5150 or e-mail LFDean@aol.com.