[SLI-public] Sustainable Landscaping

[Lisa Laico - WAR]

Hello, everyone -

Crowd-sourcing this question.  Our library is fortunate enough to be situated on a couple of acres of property, with rather extensive lawns.  For three years, we did not treat the lawns with any kinds of fertilizers, herbicides, etc.  It was an environmentally-minded choice.  The result after 3 years was that the grass was decimated - huge patches of mud and weeds caused by a grub infestation.  It was really unattractive and as a practical matter, not something you'd want to have a picnic on, or even stroll around.  So we resumed treatment and after 2 seasons, the lawn is back.  However,  patrons are beginning to complain.  One advanced the theory that peppermint oil is the cure for all our lawn problems.  I'm not so sure.

The State DEC has provided me with a list of "reduced-risk" pesticides, such as microbial treatments, bio-pesticides and horticultural oils, but explicitly declined to comment on their efficacy.  They also provided the EPA's list of more conventional reduced-risk pesticides.

Our pest control company does have some organic treatments but says they are not for commercial applications and that we would not be happy with the results.

So:  if your library has extensive lawn and you've encountered the same issue -- balancing aesthetics against the concern about safety and impact on ground water, etc. -- what solutions have you found effective?  I would love any feedback from anyone who's successfully navigated this.  Thank you!

Lisa

Lisa Laico, Director
Albert Wisner Public Library<https://www.albertwisnerlibrary.org>
1 McFarland Drive
Warwick, NY   10990
845.986.1047, ext. 102
AWPL Sustainability Team [cid:fac76595-b6f0-4d71-87e5-939be7f29de5]

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