Best Management Practices for Application of Turf Pesticides &

Fertilizers and YardScapingGary Fish

Board of Pesticides Control

287-2731

gary.fish@maine.gov

Why BMPs Inappropriate application

practices discovered after heavy spring rains of 2005

Water sampling results from USGS and FOCB

The Board wanted to start with BMPs instead of jumping into new regulations

Friends of Casco Bay Sampling 2001 Sampling

Found Diazinon in 1 of 3 samples (2.6 ppb)** Found 2,4-D in all 3 samples (36.4 ppb) Found Dicamba in 1 of 3 samples (3.8 ppb) Found MCPP in 2 of 3 samples (26 ppb) Found Excess Nitrogen & Phosphorous in all samples

2002 Sampling Found Diazinon in 4 of 11 samples (.71 ppb) Found Excess Nitrogen & Phosphorous in all samples

2003 Sampling Found Dicamba in 3 of 10 samples (4.1 ppb) Found Clopyralid in 1 of 10 samples (0.91 ppb) Found Propiconazole in 2 of 10 samples (0.075 ppb)

2005 Sampling Found 2,4-D in 2 of 5 samples (4.62 ppb) Found MCPA in 2 of 5 samples (0.45 ppb)

**Values in red exceed ALC

Aquatic Life Criteria EPA criteria for nuisance algae growth

Nitrogen - 250 ppb Phosphorous – 20 ppb EPA criteria for diazinon is 0.17 ppb for fresh

water & 0.82 ppb for salt water Other criteria proposed by various sources for

fresh water (from USGS Fact Sheet 097-99)

2,4-D – 4 ppb Dicamba – 10 ppb MCPA – 2.6 ppb Triclopyr – 560 ppb Carbaryl – 0.02 ppb Chlorpyrifos – 0.001 ppb

USGS National Water Quality Assessment – 2006 Report

Sampled urban streams Insecticides occurred more frequently in

urban streams than they did in agricultural area streams

Herbicides detected in 99% of Urban stream samples

Phosphorous found at same levels as in agricultural streams 70% of those samples exceeded the EPA

level for causing excessive algal growth

The BMPs Site Assessment

Initial site visit Turf assessment prior to

treatment Thorough periodic assessments

Informed Product Choice Pesticides Fertilizers

Operating Standards Prior to application Application

Customer/Neighbor Relations Notification Customer education www.maine.gov/agriculture/pesticides/turf_bmps/

Site Assessment Initial site visit

Customer expectations Pest problems Site plan and measure Soil characteristics Slope and runoff Soil test Sensitive areas Grass species Intensity of use Sun exposure Record assessment

Site Assessment Turf assessment prior to treatment

Soil conditions Compacted, eroded, frozen, shallow,

saturated, exposed bedrock or ledge?

Pest problems Turf health Watering

Frequency Intensity

Site Assessment Thorough periodic assessment

Annually Reassess the initial site visit criteria Customer expectations and desire for

service (This is now required) Review management records

Every 3 – 5 years Soil test Consider monitoring ground water for

nitrates at golf courses or sod farms or other intensively managed areas

Informed Product Choice Pesticides

Read labels & MSDSs Choose least toxic, least

persistent, lowest exposure

Use the WIN-PST criteria Check bee warnings Choose selective products Do spot treatments Choose low drift and low

volatility products

Weed & Feed

WIN-PST

http://www.thinkfirstspraylast.org/turf_bmps/index.htm

Select slow release fertilizers GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Total Nitrogen (N)...…..................

….8.00%      1.0 % Water Soluble Nitrogen      7.5 % Water Insoluble NitrogenAvailable Phosphate (P205)..........….1.0 %Soluble Potash (K20)....................…1.0 % Derived from corn gluten, steamed bone meal & sulfate of potash

NON PLANT FOOD INGREDIENTS Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus pumulis, Bacillus megaterium, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Paenibacillus durum each @ 275,000 CFU per gram of finished product

Look for Water Insoluble Nitrogen (WIN)

Informed Product Choice Fertilizers

Choose slow- or timed-release N (WIN – Water insoluble nitrogen) Apply at 1 pound/1000 square

feet or less Avoid ammonium nitrate or

sulfate and calcium nitrate Do not apply quick release N

above ½ pound/1000 sq. ft. Use P-Free fertilizer unless

soil test indicates need or when establishing seed

Operating Standards

Prior to application Check site for people & pets Sensitive individuals nearby Toys, sandboxes, pet dishes

present? Open windows? 24-hour weather forecast Record current conditions Calibrate equipment frequently

Operating Standards Application

Base applications on soil characteristics

Never apply when there is standing water

Never apply to saturated soils Never apply to frozen ground Never apply when temperature

exceeds 85°F Follow label temperature

requirements

Operating Standards Application – continued

Never apply until soil warms to 50 - 55°F at 3” soil depth

Never apply between December 1 and April 1 (unless fungicide for snow mold)

Consider forecasted rains Avoid application when wind is

below 3 mph or above 10 mph Do not apply pesticides if rain or

irrigation is imminent, unless specified by label

Do not apply if moderate or heavy rain is imminent regardless of label statements

Never apply to impervious surfaces

Operating Standards Application – continued

Never apply near areas prone to runoff, i.e., culverts, drains, drainageways or wells

Never apply to bare ground unless establishing seed

Cover seed to prevent erosion Clean up spills immediately Never leave materials on impervious

surfaces Lightly water-in fertilizers When the label directs, assure that

pesticides are watered in as directed

Operating Standards Application – continued

Fill spreader on hard surface

Use a drop spreader near sensitive areas

Leave an 25-foot buffer of untreated vegetation near water bodies

Manage pests with spot applications

Customer/Neighbor Relations Notification

Remind customer annually about right to request labels and MSDSs

When requested, always provide labels and/or MSDSs

When requested always notify customers and/or neighbors at least 24 hours prior to applications

After application inform customers/neighbors about treatments Need for watering Re-entry period

Customer/Neighbor Relations Customer Education

Customers must know when their expectations are too high and should know the limitations like: Soil depth & texture Soil pH and nutrient imbalances Grass species limitations Proper mowing & watering Soil compaction & thatch depth Need for buffers around wells, water,

etc. Low risk control options Slow-release & P-Free fertilizer

options

25-foot buffer zone to be required next to waters and wetlands

Applies to all terrestrial “Broadcast” applications Except stinging insect and

arthropod vector control, and Man-made Ag wetlands, e.g.,

Cranberry bog areas

Variances may be granted if the Board approves and protections are reasonably equivalent

New Regional Lawn Nutrient Recommendations–U-Conn/Cornell Nitrogen Standards

If the existing lawn is acceptable, no need for fertilizer

Do not apply before spring green-up and no later than September 15th (NNE) or October 15th (SNE)

Apply no more than 1/2 to 1/3 of a pound of nitrogen in any 1 application

Slow release formulations are preferable When a soil test indicates adequate P or K, use N

only On lawns that are 10 years or older apply a maximum

of 2 lbs N/1000 per season Newer lawns may require 3 lbs N/1000 per season

New Regional Lawn Nutrient Recommendations - continued

When seeding a new lawn amend the soil to get organic matter up to 3% to 5%

Mow high (3 inches) and return clippings Choose tall or fine fescues because they require less

nutrients and water – Avoid KBG Maintain soil pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5 Consider introduction of white clover or other low

growing legumes to provide natural nitrogen Start testing soil for nitrates and base application rates on

need (this is experimental right now) Avoid using combination fertilizer and pesticide products

New Regional Lawn Nutrient Recommendations - continued Phosphorus Standards

If the existing lawn is acceptable, no need for fertilizer

Soil test for P – do not guess Frank Rossi at Cornell says P is only needed on the

poorest of soils Avoid P fertilizers on bare ground or low density

lawns, unless seeding Use P-free next to water unless soil test shows very

low phosphorus

New Regional Lawn Nutrient Recommendations - continued

Avoid application of P prior to heavy or moderate rains

Maintain pH between 5.5 and 6.5 Never apply to saturated or frozen ground Soil test annually for P if using organic

fertilizer or composts Avoid combination fertilizer and pesticide

products

YardScaping…YardScaping… for a healthy for a healthy

MaineMaineGary Fish, CoordinatorMaine YardScaping Partnership (207) 287-2731gary.fish@maine.gov

The Partnership is very diverse!

YardScapingYardScaping

• A new paradigm?A new paradigm?

• Some call it “Sustainable Some call it “Sustainable Landscaping” or Landscaping” or “Ecological Landscaping”“Ecological Landscaping”

• We want to keep it simpleWe want to keep it simple

YardScaping MissionYardScaping Mission

• To inspire Maine people To inspire Maine people to to

– create and maintain create and maintain healthy landscapes healthy landscapes

– through ecologically based through ecologically based practices that practices that

– minimize reliance on minimize reliance on water, fertilizer and water, fertilizer and pesticidespesticides

Dramatic 7x increase in Dramatic 7x increase in pesticide use in 12 years!pesticide use in 12 years!

Pounds of Home Use Pesticides

1995 2001 2004 2007

800,0001,200,000

2,900,000

6,210,502

0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000

7,000,000

Year

Po

un

ds

of

Pes

tici

des

Maine yard care pesticide use more Maine yard care pesticide use more common than perceivedcommon than perceived

The Ten-ets of The Ten-ets of YardScapingYardScaping• Use site appropriate, non-invasive plants Use site appropriate, non-invasive plants

• Right plant, right place, right purposeRight plant, right place, right purpose

• Use diversity of plants & grassesUse diversity of plants & grasses

• Create wildlife habitatsCreate wildlife habitats

• Reduce lawn areaReduce lawn area

• Use low input lawns & landscapesUse low input lawns & landscapes

• Use vegetative buffers to protect surface watersUse vegetative buffers to protect surface waters

• Reduce runoffReduce runoff

• Reduce reliance on pesticides, fertilizers and waterReduce reliance on pesticides, fertilizers and water

• Promote sensible pest management (IPM)Promote sensible pest management (IPM)

Use site appropriate, non-Use site appropriate, non-invasive plantsinvasive plants

• Native plants are often well Native plants are often well adapted – but not alwaysadapted – but not always– Fewer problems, less work, Fewer problems, less work,

more rewardsmore rewards

• Invasive plants are easy to Invasive plants are easy to grow but crowd out native grow but crowd out native vegetationvegetation– Our local forest habitats are Our local forest habitats are

changing rapidlychanging rapidly

Right plant, right place, Right plant, right place, right purposeright purpose

• Choose plants based on the Choose plants based on the area to be planted not just area to be planted not just for their colorfor their color

• Select plants that thrive Select plants that thrive under existing conditions under existing conditions rather than trying to alter rather than trying to alter the conditions to meet the the conditions to meet the needs of a plantneeds of a plant

• Minimize disturbance of the Minimize disturbance of the existing landscapeexisting landscape

Right plant, right placeRight plant, right place

Beach plum – dry sunny site

Partridgeberry – wet shady site

Staghorn Sumac – large open dry bank

Use a diversity of plants & Use a diversity of plants & grassesgrasses

• Less noticeable damage Less noticeable damage from pests and diseasefrom pests and disease

• Incorporate many layers Incorporate many layers of plant typesof plant types– TreesTrees

– ShrubsShrubs

– Ground coversGround covers

– Perennials, andPerennials, and

– LawnsLawns

Create wildlife habitatsCreate wildlife habitats

• Diversity and plant layers go Diversity and plant layers go hand in hand with habitat hand in hand with habitat creationcreation

• Add nectar and fruit producing Add nectar and fruit producing plantsplants

• Strive for continuous bloomsStrive for continuous blooms

• Add water, walls, feeders, Add water, walls, feeders, woody debriswoody debris

Reduce lawn areaReduce lawn area

• ReducesReduces– Water & air pollutionWater & air pollution

– Water usageWater usage

– MaintenanceMaintenance

– CostsCosts

• GivesGives– More free timeMore free time

Mower exhaust = 40 small cars’ exhaust

Use low input plant Use low input plant varietiesvarieties

• No-mow fescue vs No-mow fescue vs Kentucky bluegrassKentucky bluegrass

• Pagoda dogwood vs Pagoda dogwood vs flowering cherryflowering cherry

• River birch vs paper River birch vs paper birchbirch

                                                                                    

Protect lakes & streams Protect lakes & streams with bufferswith buffers

• Preserve existing Preserve existing landscape landscape

• Winding pathsWinding paths

• Don’t mow to lake’s Don’t mow to lake’s edgeedge

• Pitch the rakePitch the rake

Reduce runoffReduce runoff

• Reduce amount Reduce amount of pervious of pervious (hard) surfaces(hard) surfaces

• Create rain Create rain gardens or install gardens or install rain barrelsrain barrels

• Direct water into Direct water into vegetated areasvegetated areas

• Irrigate properly Irrigate properly and only when and only when neededneeded

Reduce reliance on Reduce reliance on pesticides, fertilizers and pesticides, fertilizers and waterwater• Grow plants that are Grow plants that are

resistant to insects & resistant to insects & diseasesdiseases

• Use plants that tolerate Use plants that tolerate low fertilitylow fertility

• Use drought resistant Use drought resistant plantsplants

Sweet Fern

White Fir

Use common sense pest Use common sense pest managementmanagement

• Integrated pest Integrated pest managementmanagement– Know your pestKnow your pest

– Pick it, trap it or exclude itPick it, trap it or exclude it

– Know the good bugsKnow the good bugs

– Mow, prune or waterMow, prune or water

– Use pesticides as last resortUse pesticides as last resort

Weed Control Approach(BASIC STRATEGY - dense, tall turf tends to

reduce weed invasion)

Seed is the best weed control!

Mow high, 3 inches MINIMUM

Promote root growth – fertilize in early fall

Reduce wear and compaction - encourage foot traffic away from turf; core aerify twice per year and overseed at same time

Overseed or slit-seed open areas ASAP!

Spot treatment with herbicides only when necessary.

Are there alternatives?

Corn gluten meal has demonstrated pre-emergent herbicide activity

Rather expensive and a weak herbicide

Most action - nutrient value from meal breakdown - added fertility thickens turf and reduces weed germination

Weed flamers and spikes “Punto”

Hot water foam and steamers

Mostly used in cities where herbicides have been banned

Punto

Choose the right grass Choose the right grass varieties for Mainevarieties for Maine

Insect tolerance Some Some ExcellentGoodDisease toleranceSome Some Good Good

Plant or over-seed with Plant or over-seed with low maintenance grass low maintenance grass typestypes

• Fine Fescues 40 - 50%Fine Fescues 40 - 50%– Creeping RedCreeping Red

– Hard Hard

– ChewingsChewings

• Tall FescueTall Fescue

• Common Kentucky BluegrassCommon Kentucky Bluegrass

• Endophyte enhanced perennial rye or fescuesEndophyte enhanced perennial rye or fescues

• Plant grass seed in late summer/early fallPlant grass seed in late summer/early fall

• Avoid sodAvoid sod

YardScaping Mix40% Endophyte Enhanced Creeping Red Fescue

10% Southport Chewings Fescue30% Endophyte Enhanced Perennial Ryegrass

20% Kenblue KBG

Low Maintenance Lawn Low Maintenance Lawn Benefits – Benefits – 2000 2000 CMHC study of 30 CMHC study of 30 residencesresidences

• Residents with low-Residents with low-maintenance lawns spentmaintenance lawns spent – 50 per cent less time, 50 per cent less time,

– 85 per cent less money, and 85 per cent less money, and

• used used – 50 per cent less fuel, 50 per cent less fuel,

– 85 per cent less fertilizer, 85 per cent less fertilizer,

– 100 per cent less water and 100 per cent less water and

– 100 per cent less pesticides per 100 per cent less pesticides per yearyear

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_076.cfm

http://131.128.91.217/maynard_susplants/html_spl2000/index.htm

Other resourcesOther resources

GuelphTurfgrassInstitute

& Environmental Research Centre

http://www.uoguelph.ca/GTI/

http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/lawn/almanac

•http://www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/turf/htms/turfman.htm

Where to learn moreWhere to learn more

http://www.yardscaping.org

http://www.gotpests.org

Where to learn moreWhere to learn more

YardScaping… YardScaping… For a healthy MaineFor a healthy Maine