Exploring the Ozarks Outdoors: freshare.net

“Show Me Yards & Neighborhoods” Encourages Environmentally Friendly Yard Care

First posted on 09-17-2007

Pesticide and fertilizer usage on lawns is often abused in urban settings according to Gaylord Moore, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

“The abuse of pesticides and fertilizers is largely due to a lack of knowledge of the products and potential negative impacts brought on by the misuse of these products,” said Moore.

The “Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods” program was designed to address concerns of homeowners, commercial lawncare operators and landscapers about the over use of pesticides and fertilizer through education and outreach activities.

Education is the key to getting homeowners and lawn care professionals to understand what is at stake. For example, once they understand that 30 to 60 percent of urban fresh water is used for watering lawns, but nearly 40 percent of that is excess that runs off, they tend to make a change.

“Due to the small area that most lawn products are applied, the applicator often does not realize the total impact of product misuse over an entire urban area. Urban storm water runoff can directly impact the water quality of nearby streams, creeks, rivers and lakes,” said Moore.

According to Moore, agencies and participants in the “Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods” program continue to search for methods to encourage the public to use environmentally friendly means of lawn and yard care.

“Using alternative and organic products to reduce the use of chemical pesticides is one step. Another is encouraging soil testing and then educating homeowners and applicators to apply soil nutrients only when insufficient amounts are available for healthy plant growth,” said Moore.

Training has increased awareness of the negative impact of misused lawn fertilizers and pesticides as well as alternative options commercial operators can incorporate into their business and pass along to the customer.

“Because of this program, the homeowner and commercial lawn care services are more aware of the potential for environmental pollution and water run-off due to the misuse of pesticides and chemical fertilizers,” said Moore.

Partnering organizations in the “Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods” program include Missouri Department of Natural Resources, City of Springfield Public Works Department, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, James River Basin Partnership, Missouri Department of Conservation, University of Missouri Extension, Greene County Resource Management, City Utilities of Springfield, and the Greene County Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

To learn more about the “Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods” program contact the Greene County Extension Center, (417) 862-9284 or the City of Springfield, (417) 864-2006

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