IPM
Integrated Pest Management (also known as IPM) is a complete lawn care management system that provides for reduced, better and safer use of materials designed to control insects, weeds and diseases.
Successful programs are based on:
- Prevention
- Monitoring
- Controlling
Prevention
Prevention includes conserving the natural enemies of turf pests by selective use of biological and synthetic controls, planting improved varieties of turf that have natural resistance to insect and disease attacks and using good cultural practices (i.e. mowing, watering, aeration and thatch removal).
Monitoring
NaturaLawn® of America technicians inspect and monitor the lawns and soils for problem pests throughout the growing year. We compare the information recorded during these monitoring visits with weather conditions, the pest's behavior and its stage of development, as well as the lawn's history.
Controlling
Control includes using biological or chemical treatments only when necessary to prevent major lawn damage. This involves saving beneficial insects that may help destroy the pests that damage lawns.
Remember: The purpose of control is not to get rid of all pests but rather to hold damage to an acceptable or unnoticeable level.
IPM—New or Old Idea?
The concept of pest management can trace its beginning back to early agriculture and organic gardening.
Today's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for lawn care is very new - in fact, so new that NaturaLawn of America was the pioneer for the lawn care industry and challenged the old tradition of "see and spray" pest control.
Leading the Industry
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) coordinated efforts to put together a text book entitled "Integrated Pest Management For Turfgrass and Ornamentals". NaturaLawn of America is proud and honored to have been asked by the EPA coordinator to author the chapter entitled "Implementation of an IPM Program Into a Lawn Care Operation".
Safer & More Effective
There is no substitute for safety. You, your children and pets are very important, and at NaturaLawn of America we take great pride in giving you the peace of mind that an organic-based IPM program brings you.