It's a Natural...

"I was already using many of the green practices because they make good business sense. Now that I'm certified, I'm getting the added benefits of advertising and business recognition, which helps me attract clients."

- Nate Silin, New Growth Landscaping

"Practices like grasscycling, water conservation, and selection of appropriate plants have helped me save money by reducing plants that need to be installed, the materials that need to be removed from sites, and water use."

-Tom Del Conte, Del Conte Landscaping

Mario Camacho and Tom Del Conte of Del Conte Landscaping accept the Green Business Certificate from Barbara Frierson, City of Fremont (left) and Pam Evans, County Green Business Coordinator (right).

How can landscapers "green" their businesses? First bring their operations into compliance with all environmental regulations, then adopt pollution prevention and resource conservation practices. The program checklists offer a variety of options for meeting program standards. Here are some examples of what you can do.

Top Ten Tips for Landscapers

1.	Right Plant, Right Place Use hydrozoning (grouping plants with similar water needs), use drought tolerant and disease resistant plants (native plants!).

2.	Landscape for Less to the Landfill Mulch or compost green waste on site, avoid plants that require extensive pruning, grasscycle, separate green waste for recycling.

3.	Integrated Pest Management Use IPM techniques: monitor pests and their natural enemies, use pest-resistant plants, evaluate damage vs. need to treat, use least toxic alternatives, spot treat if needed.

4.	Reduce chemical use Use IPM techniques, use compost instead of chemical fertilizers for soil and plant health.

5.	Reduce water use at your job sites Use drought tolerant plants, hydrozone, mulch, monitor irrigation schedule and system and in your office - install low flow devices on sinks and use water-conserving toilets.

6.	Nurture soil health Minimize tillage and chemical applications, use compost and mulch.

7.	Prevent storm water run-off Keep pesticides, soil, leaves and debris out of storm drains, keep vehicles and equipment leak-free.

8.	Buy recycled-content products In your office, buy recycled content paper products; in landscaping, use recycled lumber and other recycled content materials.

9.	Reduce energy usage Use energy efficient lighting in your office and monitor your energy bills.

10.	Reduce emissions Keep vehicles well-maintained and encourage employees to take public transit or carpool.

Contact your county coordinator for more information about becoming "green" in your county.

pd 07/17/03