Creating healthy landscapes is the foundation for effective pest management. You can maintain your plants' health by providing adequate moisture, sufficient nutrients, and good soil. Doing so will mean they will be strong enough to out-compete their enemies and attract fewer pests. Plants are constantly defending themselves from enemies and are most vulnerable when they are stressed, weak, or unable to adjust to conditions.
Lawns
There's more than one way for your lawn to be healthy. Reducing or eliminating pesticides is a healthy option for your family, pets, and neighbours. A healthy lawn is created by feeding the soil rather than the grass. If you nourish the soil, most weeds will be crowded out over time.
Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping is water conservation through creative landscaping. The principles of xeriscaping can be applied to any landscape style and can be as plain or elaborate as you desire. The term is pronounced "zair-i-scape" and means "water conservation through creative landscaping." Xeriscape is not "Zeroscape", it combines the Greek word "xeros," meaning dry, and "scape," meaning view. The most significant benefit of xeriscaping is reduced water use. In fact, xeriscape require 50% (or less) water than a tradtional landscape. Even better, xeriscaping usually requires less fertilizer, less pruning, and less mowing.
Pests, Pesticides, and IPM
When prevention hasn't worked effectively, gardeners use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to deal with pests. Integrated Pest Management will help you control weeds, deter damaging insects or disease, and discourage other nuisances.
