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Home My WebLink AboutOPD-011-06 ~ REPORT OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Report #: OPD-011-06 File #: 6P/t ~ ~7b ~ Db By-Law #: Date: OCTOBER 2, 2006 Subject: PESTICIDE REDUCTION IN CLARINGTON RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report OPD-011-06 be received; 2. THAT Council direct staff to facilitate consultation sessions to involve residents in the development of a program that could minimize the use of pesticides; 3. THAT the Municipality champion a Pesticide Education Program in consultation with all interested stakeholders focusing on sustainable horticultural practices as an alternative to chemical pesticides; and 4. THAT Council request the Federal Minister of Health to expedite and expand programs dealing with the reduction of cosmetic use of pesticides in residential and commercial eas. Submitted by: RevieWedbYO~-~ Franklin Wu, Chief Administrative Officer FH/wc CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON 40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905) 263-2292 F (905) 263-4433 REPORT NO. OPD-011-06 PAGE 2 1.0 BACKGROUND: On June 28, 2001, the Supreme Court of Canada released its decision with regard to the banning of pesticides in Hudson, Quebec. In its decision, the court upheld a municipal by-law enacted by the Town of Hudson, Quebec to restrict the cosmetic use of pesticides in that community. The decision is important because it confirms the authority of municipal governments to regulate matters that involve the general welfare of the residents. The Town of Hudson enacted By-law 270, a by-law to restrict the use of pesticides within the town limits in 1991. The Supreme Court also found that the by-law did not conflict with federal or provincial legislation. The issue of pesticides is complex with diversity in public opinion and programs being used. There is no simple answer. Many municipalities have adopted programs that have reduced the use of pesticides on public land. The Integrated Plant Health Program targets not the pests, but the health of the plants and the soil using preventative techniques aimed at ensuring healthy, rigorous plants that are less susceptible to pest infestation utilizing pesticides as a last resort. A pesticide is defined as a chemical or other substance used to control plants and animal pests. Cosmetic use of pesticides is the application of pesticides for aesthetic or appearance reasons only. Pesticides include weed killers, slug pellets, fungicide sprays and animal repellant insecticides. It should be noted combined fertilizers such as weed and feed would be considered a pesticide. Pesticides are controlled and regulated by Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Environment. These bodies, using risk-based analysis, I:GPA Reports 2006\OPD-011-06\Pesticide Reduction in Clarington REPORT NO. OPD-011-06 PAGE 3 determine if products can be used in Canada and subsequently the Province of Ontario. Through the Ontario Ministry of Environment, they regulate by establishing a number of pesticide categories specifying application and vendor requirement. 2.0PEST MANAGEMENT REGULATORY AGENCY The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) regulates the import into, sale, and safe use of pesticides in Canada at the Federal level. The Pest Management Information Service is a Federal Government initiative to provide information on pesticide regulation and registered pesticides. The service has been available to Canadians since 1984 and operates under the PMRA. A team of Information Officers is available to respond to inquiries about the federal pesticide registration process in Canada, federal regulations, Canada’s initiatives in the area of pesticides and pesticide labeling and safety precautions. On September 27, 2000, PMRA announced the priority evaluation of the eight most commonly available lawn pesticides. This re-evaluation uses modern scientific standards to determine their continued acceptability for registration and whether any changes need to be made to the conditions of registration of these chemicals. The re-evaluations are completed for four of the lawn pesticides: Insecticides chlorpyrifos, diazinon, malathion and racemic mecoprop are being phased out. The re-evaluation reviews for 2-4D was released on February 17, 2005, and the two remaining herbicides dicamba, MCPA are targeted for 2006. When evaluating a pesticide, the PRMA has access to the available scientific information on that product including laboratory, epidemiology I:GPA Reports 2006\OPD-011-06\Pesticide Reduction in Clarington REPORT NO. OPD-011-06 PAGE 4 toxicology studies, scientific reports and more. No other group or organization currently has access to all of that information. This allows PMRA to conduct thorough scientific assessments to determine if a product is safe for use or not when used according to label directions. The PRMA also determines allowable uses, doses and other label instruction for each pesticide product. It also should be noted that PMRA conducts specific risk assessment for sensitive sub-populations including children and takes their unique physiological characteristics and behaviour into account. A new piece of federal legislation Bill C-53, The Pest Control Product Act, came into force in July, 2006. Under the new Act, the Federal Minister of Health is now obligated to initiate a special review of pesticides that contain active ingredients which have been banned by other member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, due to health or environmental concerns. Once the Minister initiates a review, the onus is on pesticide manufacturers to provide evidence that their products are not harmful. It is important that Council request the Minister to expedite and expand programs dealing with the reduction of cosmetic use of pesticides in residential and commercial areas. 3.0 REGION OF DURHAM HEALTH DEPARTMENT The Region of Durham Health Department addressed pesticide regulation in their correspondence to the Health and Social Services Committee March 29, 2001. The Region felt, at that time, and concurs with those today, that a comprehensive legal framework already exists to regulate the manufacture, sale and use of pesticides. In general, environmentally concerned municipalities continue to take voluntary action to curb or stop the use of pesticides to control weeds in part by adopting an Integrated Pest Management approach. I:GPA Reports 2006\OPD-011-06\Pesticide Reduction in Clarington REPORT NO. OPD-011-06 PAGE 5 It should be noted that none of the area Durham municipalities are considering a municipal pesticide ban. Scugog recently approved an integrated pest management policy which has been in effect in 2006. 4.0 LINK BETWEEN PESTICIDES USED FOR ORNAMENTAL PURPOSES AND CANCER Studies in peer review journals indicate that there may be a link between exposure to some components of pesticides and an increased risk of some types of cancer. Studies have also linked occupational exposure to certain pesticides with prostate cancer, kidney cancer, brain cancer and lung cancer. However, scientific research has not established a firm link between environmental exposures to pesticides in individuals. According to Health Canada, it should be noted that only pesticides that are proven not to pose unacceptable risk of cancer in humans are registered. Health Canada, in partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada, continues to monitor, identifying the trends and the risk factors, developing programs to reduce cancer risks, and undertaking research to evaluate risks from the environment and behaviours. The Ontario College of Family Physicians is strongly recommending that people reduce their exposure to pesticides wherever possible after releasing a comprehensive review of research on the effects of pesticides on human health. According to one of the authors, many of the health problems are linked with pesticide use are serious and difficult to treat, and they are advocating reducing exposure to pesticides and prevention of harm as the best approach. The College’s overall message to patients is to avoid exposure to all pesticides whenever and wherever possible. 5.0 IMPLICATIONS OF A PESTICIDE BAN As Council is aware, the implications of a pesticide ban are challenging. Many people take great pride in maintaining a green lawn and residents could be impacted by a by-law restricting their ability to deal with I:GPA Reports 2006\OPD-011-06\Pesticide Reduction in Clarington REPORT NO. OPD-011-06 PAGE 6 maintenance on their own property. Pesticides are legal products and a ban may drive usage underground. If a by-law is brought into place, the By-Law Enforcement Division would require additional training as well as staff to enforce such a by-law. As municipalities are struggling to limit the use of pesticides for beautifying home lawns and gardens, the question of voluntary measures such as education and marketing is being considered over an outright ban. It is important to note that according to a “Best Practices Review” by the Canadian Centre for Pollution Prevention, education and outreach programs alone, while more popular, are far less effective in reducing cosmetic pesticide use. By-laws supported with public education result in a greater reduction in residential pesticide use than education programs alone. The Clarington Agricultural Advisory Committee has expressed a concern about a possible municipal pesticide ban. They understand that under most municipal by-laws dealing with pesticides, that the furtherance of a normal farm practice carried on as part of an agricultural operation would be exempt. They however are concerned about buffers between farm and urban areas, as well as the fact that the Canadian regulatory system is the most rigorous in the world. Farmers are constantly innovating to minimize pesticide use and crop protection products are usually professionally applied. Correspondence from Ted Watson (Attachment No. 1) is attached for information, including articles on good healthy plant life. The impact of non-pesticide use in the Municipality has been mainly on non-turf areas, but will become a concern once a full turf restoration program comes into effect. At present, staff clear weeds in BIA areas and parking lots two and three times a year. If herbicides were used, this I:GPA Reports 2006\OPD-011-06\Pesticide Reduction in Clarington REPORT NO. OPD-011-06 PAGE 7 could be reduced by over one half. The use of a sealer in the interlock section might reduce the weed growth by twenty per cent, but the main concentration of weeds is still in the expansion joints between sidewalk slabs and between curbs and concrete\asphalt. At the present time, sport field conditions are adequate. Our restoration program is underway which includes regular aeration, topdressing and overseeding the fields and this will have a positive effect in crowding out many weed species, such as dandelions, plantain, and chickweed etc. The problem this will produce is providing a fertile bed for the most persistent weeks such as field bindweed and clover black medic, which grow in the high traffic areas like goal mouths and centre fields. The use of alternatives has been tried numerous times. Aquacide\hot water is safe for the soil environment; however, it is extremely slow because each individual weed has to be burned. Beet juice and corn gluten is a fairly decent fertilizer, but puts a formidable barrier for grass seed making the process of overseeding a waste of time and money. 6.0 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM The Operations Department has information on the Clarington Website for professionals and landowners. This includes the following: ? Best Practices for Lawn and Garden Care ? Lawn Alternatives ? Frequently Asked Questions ? Organic Lawn Care The Municipality must take the lead role on increased public education on the need for or use of pesticides and alternatives to their use. The Operations Department will be exploring the following for 2007 and 2008 pending budget approval: 1. Seminar – Healthy Lawns, Healthy Gardens 2007 2. Healthy Lawns and Garden Guide 2007 3. Healthy Lawns Seminar with Commercial Vendors 2007 I:GPA Reports 2006\OPD-011-06\Pesticide Reduction in Clarington REPORT NO. OPD-011-06 PAGE 8 4. Easy Lawn and Garden Care Natural Alternatives to Pesticide 2008 5. Update Information on the Clarington Website ongoing 7.0 DEVELOPMENT OF A MUNICIPAL PESTICIDE PROGRAM In order to develop an overall pesticide strategy for Clarington, it is suggested that the consultation process include the following: ? Media Releases ? Website Update and Feedback Forum ? Inviting Focus Groups to Comment ? Review of Feedback and Recommendations from the Public No Later Than December, 2006 ? Report to Council with Results and Recommendations by February, 2007 8.0 CONCLUSION There is a growing movement by residents to demand higher expectations for those managing pesticide. Staff continues to incorporate alternative products and methods into their Plant Care Program. The blanket application of spraying parks and trees is long gone. Integrated Pest Management is an environmentally friendly approach using cultural, biological, physical and mechanical methods. In the end, we may have to adjust our mindset on what we think is green and healthy and less reliant on chemical products, but better to resist damaging pests and unwelcome weeds. Attachments: Attachment #1 - Letter July 24, 2006 from Mr. Ted Watson I:GPA Reports 2006\OPD-011-06\Pesticide Reduction in Clarington I' ATTACHMENT NO.: 1 REPORT NO.: OPD.011.06 ~GEND~ T ed Watson 1683 Maple Grove Road Bowmanville, ON LIC 3K3 905-623-4934 "" ~..J' '- 'i Mr, John Mutton, Mayor ofClarington 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville, ON LIC 3A6 . :.ARI~(nON ,. -)~FFICe Dear John As I mentioned the other day that it concerns me greatly when decisions are made based on public opinion and not good science. I am referring to the council decision to have staff review the use of cosmetic pesticides when there is probably no person either on council or on staff has the expertise necessary to make this recommendation. The Pesticide Management Review Agency or PMRA for short is the federal agency responsible for registering all pesticides. They review exhaustive studies to ensure that the pesticide is safe to both humans and the environment and effective as a pesticide before a new product is released. In addition they periodically review previously registered products to ensure safety. PRMA has a call line at 1-800-267-6315, which will answer any questions or concerns. It is not my position that concerns should be ignored as every once and a while product restrictions are changed for safety reasons. These decisions should be made by experts who are properly qualified. In my humble opinion concerned individuals should be directed directly to this agency not dealt with by local councils. Unfortunately many people look at only one side of the equation and as a result miss the benefits of a good healthy plant life. I have included several articles on this matter. While talking with PMRA on buffers between farms and urban areas I talked to Shawn Develin at PMRA. I believe his expertise has to do with human effects and his direct line is 613-736-3849. He might be worth a call. Another source of information for staff might be Jackie Fraser, Executive Director of AGCare in Guelph. I am told she has talked to councils and staff with regards to this issue. She can be reached at 519-837-1326 or ifraseriWagcare.org Please make this decision based on good science not public opinion. Yours truly, Ted Watson Cc Gord Robinson Jim Schell a2-A~r-ll 12:)' FrOl-PLANT P?ODUCTS 1~3963l T-232 P.OT/OS F-564 A SCIENTIF/O VIEWPOINT: Dr. Thomas L. Watschke iurrgrasses: Ca. Safel, Cleal Our Water Supplies FiIIdfDa 1; Warcr I'UDIlinJ of! or pMIiD. throuJb . well mmaaed la~ is DCIllibly to be of significaDlly low.. quWily tb8D 1M lip water avan.b1c ill maD)' icititll. FIDdiDt 2: ~ ~nlr. 91iecl1U auf- ansa ce uapped withiD cbf: IbIfcIa IDd rDOtZOae areas of the plam 111ft do DOt COD- tammale water suppUes. I F1DdIDa 3: LaWlIS -.b1i~ with tuf- lP'us sod are up 10 IS ~ more effec- tive ill coatroWDa nmoffl dum seed- established I&wu. CYCIl afte~ dIMe years. Fears of 1ddiD,IO cur ~ wacs from bomeowDer or co~ IawDcare are areadY uafounded . over-.... bUecl OD Ibc mulli of. -yarltady of Wiler qua1icy ia:IpIlct .. The PCllDSYlvlDia SI* U , In fIct. Ihe resulu ibDw tbat'Mill 1Uff__ have wry Utde runoff vIrtuIDy DO poICDIW for cblmica1 . AI'- plkaIioas of dac fiDdiaas to J.ad..uIe. c:icy planDers I.IId IIlYirv iaterab an very promism,. Funded ill larp auru by dlc U.S. GeoloJica1 Survey, tbiaaWU iDid8IIed ill 1986 to eu.miDe &he w quaUty im. pIICt of pesdctdes aDd ued Ja lbc wbaD 18Ild1elpt. A tGIIl of ~ rat pIoIs. with slopes raqiDa fromftj9!tO 14 pIrCIDt wen: prepared fOr cbe 1QIdy. Water NDOff and leacb.de trappbIa IDl!UUriDa devicea were iDstaUed on plol, fol- lowed by the u-n.riM of ida:IicI1 itrtp. tion lysteI:DI IIXl IOU . A 10- philcCIIed array of' iIlItrumeats aDd apec1a1iYed compaICJ were coDDeCled II> IDOIlitoriDI 110 mea- .ute ud rcQOrd ..bat was pIa::e CD each felt plot. Three of dle pIoCs were willi . aWtNrC of lCeDtUcty blue ..-w ryeBJUSl1ble r.:ae, 1:hnle odIcn were seeded wida . ..~" lab of lDDual rye. COIDIIJOtl KeaIu/cky blUIpIII aDd mepm, red fcacuc. 1lbc fiDa1 tbnc UlIl plocs were eovered wiIb j1bree-yelf-oJd tUtfpllOd JroWD from ~ Dlead of 100 pctccIJt certified ~blaepaaca. 1be plots were weekly . . heiJbt of two iDcbeaw Ii- row maual aumxDU OfpcaU~= ICCOrdaDce wftb WJcJ . After eIIIbUIbalea. ... ippI.ied ollly wbeD Ibe .... to ~ n-<<... ICbeduled (rwo .'5 after !die cbemk::Ua bad heeD 1ppHed). r ...... R..... To examine IbI: """"'1 cffef;cs of turf DB ,.,.. cpality u . tucdoII oIl'l1DDff. PeaD $we reacardMn .... a caref'aIly CODUDlled irripIioG .yMeID ID UDlformly apply kDowIl ......... of waw to die tell ....... A.tt<< fIIiliD& eo .. mill the sup.. amowa of I'UDDIf I'rom ... 1Od- ded.. will iJ'ripIioD .ndclaI equl tel . ,1adt per bOUI' -. dac S>'*ID ..... revamped 10 c:re8R . ~iDdl per bour Olll- 1* iD order 10 be able 10 collect naaoft' from IodcW slopes fw chemicaJ analysia. AcclOI'diII to niDfaIl prcbIbiliIy daIa. . aix-iDcb per baur ... .. CI8II'II Faa- syt,,1IIia II DOt Iikdy ID ncr occur. CJl.\RT J: RVNOrr, ........ applied a ,pmII I I ,I I 0.. CUIK canIota .. ~w. ~ tvNjf"'",,, .",pur txI'IW ",.,.....".,.,.. ..... Tbe IOCIded ... p10a prowd ID be IS-dmes __ etfeaM dwa... of die .....-s plots at CDIIIrClIba nmoIt o.ty 0.8S of all of cbe water applied wu col- IeeMd at IWIOft' from 1M Iodded anu wbiJe 13.." rua oft .. "comNefIDI''' .... ..... __... 11.6S ..... off die dusic:..s ..... 'I1Ie lS.f'cId.... nmoft' CIIAIlTD: coaD"OlldvuJtqe fur !be IlOdded a10pes has lipiftcaDt eavironmental implications bocauIc Ibere would aIIo be _likolihood IbM !be ... would coaatia IipiftC&llC 8IDOwaII of lOdimear, chemicals 01' other patcIItial ponutlDts. LeIcb.ate coDectiOD ~evtces were also aaed to captUre waller percolatiq tbroup tbc IOil 110 dccamiDc ill cbemic:al c:om. paIltioD. CIeu Raaoft Disclo.erecI Wbcu uaJyziq rhc nmotf _leachale at 0111 part per billioD (equal to oae teas- pooD of.... iD 1.3111illiaD pOoas of co!- -). reaeudJen fowd aImoIl DO detect. able amouatI of the tipt peatici4e. IDd Dw1aD that bid been applied Ie Ihc lUrf. In fla.1n. VIS1lDlUority of die rau. the ebImic:I1I.... DOl evea de&tctId or were below die federal cIriakiDa Mfa' IteDducI (see Chart D). Wbi1e cbere arc DO federal driDkina wa&eI' -..dank for mmy of _ chemicals ~ IbcM by N/A). me nmoff and "'.ltlUDJlles pnenIly CODIaiDed less poIU'- ... &he Irriptioo water that wa uud. 11aia seems to further Ul\l6U1lte die If.. pllat'1 caplCicy to trap and bold DI8IlY of Ibc ebanicals dlat . souad turf -~ ICbeme would require. It is 1110 ~tld II> nmtaj)e( Chat the water aampIalDl1yzed were YinuaUy co1*ted in I situIdoa _hlplllO uautHidc". In . "fIII-UIa" ....~ CDDSiderabIe ranatF .... hID odIIr --. would llMdy be ill lbe IUIIt 'NIIid1 woukl raak in Iipifi- cue ~ of IlreIdy low ClODCaUldons of cbeasaa.. .......... Appt. ~._ oIl'111d1ap WbeD ""...'" ~.hd widllbe 0Ibef baWD N..... 01 F....... NIaBer of NamINr tl 0... Below Nwt.... DIiMIII ..... .... Net 0rbIIdIII w... ~ W.... LIaIII DaUI o.t.dIble LImIt Niulfe.N 10 JlIlIIl 29 2 28 2, ....0 100 .... 2.. 10 20 IMc.aba 210 ... 24 I 23. PboIpUte-P N/A. 29 9 N/A Poaalum N/A 29 I N/A ~"'-""'I.. N/A 24 24 N/A 2,4-DP N1A :u 12 NJA 0I0IpyIb N/A 24 24 N/A 1 P" 02-Aor-ll 12:12 Froll-PLANT PRODocn i939€32 attributes of Mf;rass suc:1l U CODvenkm bssa It COD5IJ'UCIioo Iia, farm fic:kb IDll of F&Cbon dioxide to oxy,en, c:ooliD8 ef- hiJllway ripu..ot-way. fecu, cntrapalalt of particulare poJJuti<lft While additioaall'ClW'dl ia required to and reductioD of IlOfse ... san. nuf'a determiDe die surfiK:e areas of turfpus water filteriDa capacities imake it . very Ieeded to belt aerw ita JlWpOIeS on gooc:l candidate for addi1ioDaJ em iaOlbDlCDt variOUl soil types. p'Idc:s IUd IIIbInIJ improvement projects. . nmoft' KIlOIJJlfS. cmsiderabJe propss Is Oirectilla urbul nmoff waten acrou beiDllIlIde in RlCDpiziDs !be maay UIIique turf and P05l1'bly iIIIo ~ <:OVered baaiu c:apabilitica of the ecemiqly limple &rUI could provide DOt DIlly . ~a1el' "~"-ma plain. effect, but aIIo assist in: ' What bu beeR rip aacIm' 0lIJ' reet for a. flood cocnrollDd ~rcby . rcJaled maD1 years is ~. to be JeCOpized reduction of w8ste water ~ fadlj. for the comribudoDs it CIIl make D im- ty requiremeacs;! proviq O\IC envUoDIIIeIIL Just as it is man b. ponUIiOD control ~m parmgloc who is creatiDa eaviromacmll probJcm&, and/or IUlimaJ feedlcx 1'U$1f wateR; and it will be up to ... to beacr ~ ~. rcduetion of ailtariPn ad toplOil lad propaly use Ibe 100Ia of eaniroMuent ~-1bI! rfgrass Pacts A~ STItUGE Aur DUS /~Ii . ~=O~~~~8 .. / .4 THE COOLING EFFECT OF I ABOUT 70 TONS OF AIR CONDITIONING-THE AVERAGE HOUSE.sIZE CENTRAL AIR UNIT HAS A 3 10 " TON CAPACITY. GRASS AND SHRUBS ALOHG INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS RfLeASE ENOUGH OXYGEN VIA PHOTOSY"ITHESfS TO SUPPORT THE NEEDS OF 22 . IMUJON PEOPLE. 2 r -232 P. DBle8 =-554 impmvemam we have availabl~ 10 111, par- ticularly 1Wfaraaes. .....~ NtM: Dr. 77tMtGr L WG#dlk6is4Pro~_ ~~~4111w I'fM81lWl1ll4 SItJII Un{- WlI7ily. f.,'1IINnIty Port. ,..,.",.... 1h " rAt Dinaorqf.~ ~f. . ItItIlIIJI8IfICrJI R.uarc:h .. C4ttur, """" M c001- . 6wlu die mM1'Cll ce- . livldetfl-k1/1oMJ'N ..,.... ..... OA,. "...~. Ih II. pal." M_ If .. N.m'.,ma W..., ~ Son.".. ~z.a afdw 7lufirw1 DiIli6itHl qflw ~.ron"yfJ/ ..,,~. lit IIIIIliMII to JJu ~ MIl ,,_eII ruptJlUibilltlu IIZ P_ SAw. Iw,.. 1IlriIIa 8d..... _UN" .. IN MJut~..... MIl ill TOM ill du '.I!/~. GRASS BLADES TAKE IN CARBON DiOXIDE AND THE WORST ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTANTS TO GIVE BACK PURE OXYGEN. r.;'-Mr..li 12:;]9 "ro~-PLANT P,ODUCTS rS39E32 T-m P 02 1=-554 In Praise of that Darned Grass (that Always Needs Cutting)! As one of North America's fastest growing hObbies, gardening bears greater fruit than simply ther~peutic relaxation that is fun for the whole family. Does that mean there is more to gardening than lawns, flowers, trees, fruit and vegetables? You bet! Gardening i~ one of the few pastimes that actually improves the wand in which we live. Hobbles a~ generally seifish pursuits, usually enjoyed by individuals and their immediate friends and family. How many hobbies can legitimately claim to improve the environmelit and indeed the countryside? Gardening certainly can. Gardeningl provides exercise and has a therapeutic effect on the mind: As a form ~f physical exercise. gardening is good for the bOdy. Whether pushing a lawn mower, dig,ing a vegetable garden. weeding the flowers or raking a lawn, vigorous physical ~vity is involved. Furthermore, the activity usually lasts for more than a few minutes an~ of course, the activity Is outside, surrounded by fresh air. There is also mental sti""ulation. One normally thinks of the task 8t hand. Instead of the problems eartler that CSay. Think about it. You may be stressed after a long day at work. but after twenty min~tes in the garden, you don't really think of the problems of the workday. Once in th~ garden, the mental and physical stress levers drop significantly. Gardens tend to help the healing process: Some rese~rch indicates a strong correlation to a shortened recovery time after an operation, f,or patients whose rooms overtook a park with lawns and trees. The studies compared tJ,e recovery time of patients who underwent the same operation. in the same hospital. TIlOse with a View of the park. recovered faster than those Wftnout a view. Nursing ho~es are also using gardening as an acttvlty for the elderly. Gardening Is not necessaril~ an outdoor actMty. Those involved with the gardening programmes often appeared ~ better enjoy their lot in life and looked forward to the activity. It gives them a sense of p~rpose and accomplishment. Studies also show that mental stimulation is an important t;ctor in helping to minimize the effects of conditions often associated with old age. There are ,mportant sociological benefits to gardening: There are numerous examples of inner-city gardening projects such as The Oakland Tree Task Force in Oakland Calif. and the Philadelphia Green programma. In Oakland. local residElnts were organized to plant trees in the neighboumood. with aid coming from a local citjz~ns group. Much of the work was perfonned by residents. Not only did It help to beautify ~e community. but It brought people together. Now there was a sense of community i of shared ownership and commitment. Other innert-city projects have had a similar impact on their cities. Gardening projects. tree planting, painting, or fix-up parties give the residents a sense of community ( 02-A~r-l1 12:11S Fran-PLANT p~OnJCTS r~3gE32 r-23Z p 03108 ;:-554 involvement. The resulting community pride and sense of well...t>eing helped to transform the otherwise depressed neighbourhood into a vital community. Lawns and; turf provide a soft playing surface and help to reduce sport injury: Lawns and playing surfaces that are well designed and maintained are safer to play on. The turf prqVides a firm, level surface for the foot. It also helps to cushion the jarring to feet. ankles! and legs. Better footing and traction are to be found on good turf. Bare spots are slIppery when wet and harder to land on when someone falls. Numerous studies show that a dense. wetl maintained turf playing field contributes to fewer sports injuries tha~ synthetic playing surfaces and improperly maintained fields. One study .hOWed that when a dozen eggs were dropped eleven feet and landed on a dense, 2-inCh high grass playing fiefd, none broke. Two thirds of a dozen broke, when dropped f~ the same height onto thin turf. All the eggs broke when dropped from just 18" onto an all-weather track. lawns areloxygen generators: A healthy I~wn. commonly measuring SO' x 50', generates 8 significant amount of oxygen. Th~ better the condition of the turf, the more oxygen the lawn will produce. Collectivel}1. these lawns can be a considerable generator of oxygen. In the United States, it iSI eatimated that the grass and trees which line the interstate highways, prodUce e~ugh oxygen to support 22 million people. One acr~e of trees supplies enough oxygen to meet the needs of 18 people. According to the Am . n Forestry Association. a mature tree can generate enough oxygen for a family of 10, r. They also ~ool our cities and reduce our energy costs: The cooling effect of lawns and trees has been a well documented fact for some time. The front ~s alone, of just eight average homes, can have the same cooling capacity as 70 tons Of air conditioning. The average house-size central air conditioner is 3 to 4 tons in the I~.S. were temperatures are slightly warmer than in Canada. By the same token, a la/[ge tree can have the same cooling capacity as fifteen room-size (4000 BTU) air conditiohers. This coolln~ effect can be demonstrated in many ways. On a hot day, the surface temperatu'" of a lawn remains at approximately 750 F I while the temperature on the sideWalk ot street can be well over 100 OF. It is not hard to see why it is much cooler to walk on a I.wn than on pavement, on a hot summer day. Direct comparisons to air conditioners are not the only cooling benefit to be enjoyed. Energy s8'.(ings of 18 to 50 percent can be realized when trees are planted close to air conditionecjt buildings. This reduction in cooling costs is realized most, when the trees start to ft.1I ~ut, at the age of 15 to 20 years. This reduction In energy usage may also have a direct impact on the carbon dioxide r lJL'-/oJr-l1 12:10 From-PLANT P~OD~~T~ rg3963? T -232 P 04lC8:-~5.a levels in the atmosphere, depending on how electricity is generated. By the same token, trees planted around buildings act as a wind break. Reduced heating costs of 4 to 22 percent hav$ been observed due to the reduction of wind speeds around buildings. Using less heating fuel in winter months also lessens the atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and ;other greenhouse gases. L.awns redQce noise pollution: Lawns, tree~ and omamental shrubs have a noticeable effect on noise levels in our environmen~. Blades of grass and leaves of different shapes, sizes and densities act as filters to ab$orb the sound around us. In one stud~, a particular variety of bluegrass was rated better at absorbing sound than a heavy cart>et on a felt pad. Another study shows that graS& planted on an upward slope, leading away from a freeway, can reduce the noise levels from 8 to 10 decibels A row of treeS 100 feet wide will similarly reduce noise levets by 8 to 10 decibels. Trees and 'awns absorb pollutants from the air: Plants absctrb carbon dioxide during the process of photosynthesis. Simply stated, the leaf uses t~ carbon and releases the oxygen. It is estimated that one acre of trees will annually remove 5 tons of carbon dioxide form the atmosphere. According to the American f1>restry Association, a mature tree absorbs 26 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. T~at is roughly equal to the pollution created by a car driving 11,000 miles. Age and v~our of the tree is an important factor. Comparing healthy trees. a 50 year old sugar rnaplr will annually absorb 120 times more carbon than one that is 10 years old. It is thereforej critical, to property care for trees so that they can reach the mature stages ~f their hfe pyale. Dust and dlrt released into the atmosphere by cars and industry are trapped by grass and leaves:of other plants. These trapped particles get washed off the leaf surface by rain and WiJter condensation. They fall to the soil surface where they can re-enter the living soil. i lawns act as a water fitter: There hav~ been many studies conducted on runoff water from lawns and turf. Interestingly, these studies report that there are few contaminants that leach out of turf. In fact, laWfls act as a sponge and actually hold the water that falls as rain or is applied through a .prinkler. According .0 research by Dr. Thomas L. Watschke, Professor of Turfgrass Science at The Pennsvlvania State University, fears of pollution from commercial or home owner lawn maint,nance are unfounded. During the studies, it was difficult to get any runoff from the turf, until1he rate of irrigation was increased to simulate a 6 inch per hour rainfall. At this rate of watering, the runoff contained almost no detectable levels of the nutrients o~ pesticides that were used on the turf. They al80 found that the runoff water of 8 well managed lawn is fairly comparable to the tap water of many cities. The thatch layer and t~e root zone of the lawn trapped the chemicals that had been applied and ;F '1,-A'Jr-1I II: I U frar.-PLANT P~DXTS is 3 96 3 2 T-232 P.DS/OS ~-~54 they did not contarr.inate the water. Lawns havE? proved to be far superior to most other forms of vegetation in preventing runoff and fpr hOlding the soil. Maintaining a healthy turf is one of the best methods of preventing Water and wind erosion. Furthermore. the roots growing in the soil are one of the best ways of conditioning thesoiJ. So even while the grass is preventing runoff and soH erosion; the roots continue to improve the soil in which it grows. Healthy turf/has many other important attributes such as its ability to reduce glare and reflected ligtlt. " is therefore easier on the eyes and less fatiguing for drivers. which in turn makes bur highways safer. A good lawn is a natural fire retardant. It even discourage~ small pests and rodents from living next to houses. These examples are only a few ~ the other benefits of 8 good lawn. This short article is by no means comprehensive. It cannot possibly do justice to the attributes o~a good lawn, nor the exhaustive studies that have been carried out by researCh pr~fe8SiOnals over the years. Hopefully, it will cause us to be more appreciative of the gree~ carpet that not only beautifies our homes, but improves our living environment at the same time. So feed your lawns and gardens. Take good care of them and enjoy them both in the process. I If the rest of,the family is lucky, ... perhaps... just maybe, we won't complain 80 much the next tim~ we have to cut the grass. rr~-~LA~I r~UJL'~ '~39f32 T-Z32 P.06IG8 "-554 References Beard, James B. Even Tan or Brown Lawns Benefit the Environment. International Sports Turf Institute, College Station Tx. Beard, Jam~ B. Science Shows Turf Can Save Our Water Resources. Texas A & M University, College Station, Tx. Crop Protec(ionlnstitute. Pestioides: Home and Garden Use. Backgrounder. Hull. Richard J. Psychological & Physiological Benefits of Greenspace. Soorts Turf Newsletter. December, 1994. Originally from Golf Course Manaaem8f1t, August 1994.[ Based on an address by Prof. Hull to the Turfgress Section of the Crop Science Society of America Conference, San Antonio, Tx. October 1990. Pirone. P. p~ Tree Maintenance, 5th edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 1978. p. 3-4~ RISE. Pestiqides in Your Environment. Washington, D.C.: Responsible Industry for a Sountl Environment. Roberts, Eliot C. & Roberts, Beverly C. Lawn and Sports Turf Benefits. Pleasant Hill. I . Tenn.ssee: The Lawn InstItute. 1987. . National Arbbrist Association & Intemational Society of Arboriculture. The Importance of Larg. Tree Maintenance in Mitigating Global Climate Change. OctOber, 1991. p.2 -$. Watschk8. 1'homas l. Turfgrass Can Safely Clean Our Water Supplies. The Penn,ylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania. Dave Watsoh Plant ProduQm Co. Ltd. June 26,199p. r Vlll.Ol1V HeJ J UU::>UJ~:S J-1.SSUl;lauon, J un &: varden I In praIse ot that darned grass. o ;..t;R, fl ' I}" r. '''.1'', .$ " ~- ~. ~ "I ~......, ~ .... V i -1J' o~ ;toc,,.' , ... .-~.!. : ~ ' "-t ~ - ._-':--'::i, ,...,.......... o a :;;~~:f~;~~:J~~,. , b a Turf& GaYdevv In praise of that c;larned grass! If you take a stroll !through your neighbourhood on a Saturday morning in the spring or summer, you'll see homeowners busy trimming or fussing over the gr~en carpets of turf around their homes. Why do we tie ourselves to th~se seasonal chores? What do our lawns give back? Exercise and rela'xatlon As a form of exercl~e, gardening is good for the body, whether you are pushing a lawn mo~er, raking the lawn, or weeding the flowerbeds. Caring for your la"';'n keeps you outside and involved in physical activities. It's also ~ great way to switch your mental focus by concentrating on your gardening tasks instead of the stresses of the I ' day. I Green gardens h.lp healing Just a view of the garden may be all we need to feel better. Some research shows a ~rong correlation between wellness and a scenic view. Patients in the sarrje hospital, recovering from the same operation, recovered more qu;ckly when their rooms overlooked a park. Nursing homes also use gardening programs, both indoors and outdoors, to help residents retain a ~ense of purpose and accomplishment, and to provide the same mental c~a"enges that appeal to gardeners of all ages. Please play on t~e grass Lawns and turf plat.ing surfaces that are well designed and properly maintained help to reduce sports InJuries. The turf provides a firm, level surface for the foo~. It also proVides better traction, and helps to cushion the Impact on athlfttes' feet, ankles and legs. In one American s~dy, a dozen eggs were dropped from a distance of 11 feet onto a dense 2 Inch thick playing field. None were broken in the fall. When a second dozen was dropped from the same height onto a thin turf, two-third$ of the eggs were broken. When a third dozen was dropped from a he,ght of 1.5 feet onto an all-weather track, all of the eggs were broken i~ the fall. Lawns are oxyge" generators A healthy lawn, commonly measuring 50 feet by 50 feet (iSm by iSm), generates a slgniflctant amount of oxygen, and the better the condition of the turf, the mo~e oxygen It will produce. The trees and grass that line the Interstate ~Ighways in the US produce enough oxygen for 22 million people. ' http://www.oabaon.pa/praise.html Page I of2 4111/2002 ~ -..--- . -ou ~_~.u......... J ~""V"'JaUVH I I WI OC UarUl:U /In prdlSl: 01 mal aamea grass. Lawns are air purifiers, too. Dust and dirt released into the atmosphere by cars and industry are trapped by grass and leaves of other plants. These trapped partjicles are washed off the leaf surface by rain and water condensatior;, and return to the living soil. Staying cool On a hot day, the ~urface temperature of a lawn remains at approximately 750!F (240C), while the temperature of the sidewalk or street may be well lover 1000F (38 oC). It's not hard to see why it is much cooler to walk on a lawn than on pavement on a hot summer's day. The front lawr)s of just eight average homes will cool as much outside air as 70 tQns of air conditioning, or about 18 to 20 average- sized central air cohditioners. Lawns reduce n~' se pollution Lawns, trees and 0 namental shrubs have a noticeable effect on noise levels in our envi nment. Blades of grass and leaves of different shapes, sizes and densities act as filters to absorb the sound around us. In one study, one tariety of bluegrass was shown to be better at absorbing sound t~an a heavy carpet on a felt pad. Another study showed that grass jp/anted on an upward slope, leading away from a freeway, can reduqe the noise of traffic from eight to 10 decibels. Lawns filter wat.r Lawns act as a spo"ge, and actually hold the water that falls as rain or is applied through a ~prinkler. According to research done by Dr. Thomas L. Watschke, profe~or of turfgrass science at Pennsylvania State University, turf ca~ absorb all applied water until it was applied at a rate of six inches per h~ur. I Even at this extre"/le rate of precipitation, the runoff contained almost no detectable leve/~ of the nutrients used to fertilizer the turf. The thatch layer and t~ root zone of the lawn trapped the fertilizer that had been applied, and revent it from being washed away. Based on this evidence, Dr. Wa hke concluded that fears of water pollution from careful commercial. or home owner lawn maintenance are unfounded. His studies Showe~ that the chemical analysis of the runoff weter from e healthy and well- aintained lawn is generally equal to that of the tap water of many citi s. Maintaining a healthy turf is one of the best methods of preventing water and wind e~Sion, and while the grass is soaking up water, the roots are condition ng the soil below. Fertilizing your lawn, following label directions on he product package, will provide the nutrients your lawn needs to gro at a healthy rate and resist disease. A lush green carpet of healthy turf not only beautifies our homes, but it improves our Iivingl environment. Feed your lawns and gardens; take care of them and erjoy them, and try not to complain so loudly when It's time to cut that datned grass . . . again. , ! l-~ l-~ ;-,l-ll-. f"", ~~ ~:i ~:! i:4 ~.:. c..~ http://www.oaba.on.~a/praise.htm1 page 1. ot 1. 4/11/2002