57 Ways - 17. Know What To Ask A Lawn-care Company And Arborist

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57 Ways To Protect Your Home Environment (and Yourself)

Caring for the Home Landscape

1. Aim for a healthy lawn rather than a perfect lawn
2. Cut the grass without gas
3. Prevent insect, disease, and weed problems in the garden
4. Identify fruits and vegetables that need fewer pesticides
5. Select native trees and shrubs that will thrive in your yard
6. Keep your tress healthy and safe
7. Plant “wild” in your backyard
8. Attract birds and butterflies to your backyard

Using Alternatives to Traditional Pesticides & Fertilizers - Where Practical

9. Scout for pests on the landscape
10. Consider microbial insecticides
11. Consider botanical insecticides & insecticidal soaps
12. Conserve beneficial insects
13. Monitor & control insects with traps
14. Use pest barriers in your garden
15. Solarize soil
16. Consider the potential of natural fertilizers

Using Chemicals on the Landscape - If Necessary

17. Know what to ask a lawn-care company and arborist
18. Understand pesticide toxicity
19. Read the pesticide label
20. Apply pesticides accurately and safely
21. Apply fertilizers accurately and safely

Storing & Disposing of Hazardous Chemicals

22. Store hazardous chemicals safely
23. Dispose of pesticides safely
24. Dispose of auto products safely
25. Dispose of paints and solvents safely
26. Dispose of adhesives, areosols, household cleaners & other hazardous waste safely

Managing Yard, Food & Other Household Waste

27. Reduce household waste
28. Recycle paper, glass, & aluminum
29. Reuse and respond
30. Recycle grass clippings
31. Create a compost pile
32. Use yard waste as mulch
33. Dispose of tree residues

Protecting Your Drinking Water

34. Know when & how to test your water
35. Test your water for coliform bacteria & nitrate 36. Test your water for pesticides - if necessary
37. Know the signs of contaminants in drinking water
38. Select effective water-treatment methods
39. Prevent contamination from septic systems
40. Know the pros & cons of bottled water

Protecting the Indoor Environment

41. Prevent contamination by lead
42. Test your home for radon
43. Reduce radon levels
44. Control dust, dust mites & other allergens
45. Reduce pollution from combustion equipment
46. Prevent contamination by formaldehyde and asbestos
47. Recognize tht it's not always necessary to control indoor insects
48. Select the right household pesticide
49. Control household pests with less toxic alternatives
50. Select household cleaners wisely

Conserving Energy & Water

51. Design new homes for energy effciency
52. Save energy in heating & cooling
53. Insulate & seal your home
54. Choose energy-efficient appliances
55. Save money & energy with compact fluorescent light bulbs
56. Use plants & other landscape tools to conserve energy
57. Conserve water in & around the home

17. Know What To Ask A Lawn-care Company And Arborist
	If you select and work with a lawn-care company that will use pesticides and fertilizers to maintain your lawn, keep a few points in mind. Make sure the lawn-care company has a state license for the application of pesticides. If you prefer minimal use of synthetic pesticides, ask the company about alternatives they provide. Make sure the company surveys the lawn and prepares a management plan for you. Some companies may suggest more applications than are necessary, so obtain a typical lawn-care schedule for your area from your nearest Extension office. The company should tell you ahead of time when applications will be made so you can clear the yard.
	Lawn-care companies have traditionally relied on preventative applications—putting down chemicals before a pest problem arises. The drawback is that some of the chemical applications may be unnecessary. One alternative is to look for a company that checks for pest problems and applies chemicals only when the potential exists for unacceptable levels of damage.
	Some lawn-care companies are beginning to provide programs in which they apply organic fertilizers. Be aware, however, that organic fertilizers do not work as fast as synthetic fertilizers. It usually takes two or three seasons for organic fertilizers to produce optimum results, but in the long run they may improve the soil’s health.
	You may need to consult with an arborist before cutting tree roots to put in a new sidewalk or before doing other construction work. People also hire an arborist to do pruning. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
	Beware of “door knockers,” especially after storms when nonprofessionals are looking for an easy way to make quick money. And don’t be rushed, even if a company says they will give you a 10 percent discount for a decision today. Do not pay in advance.
	Ask for certificates of insurance, including proof of liability for personal and property damage and worker’s compensation. Phone the insurance company to make sure the policy is current. Ask for local references—other jobs that the company or individual has done. Then look at these jobs and, if possible, talk to the former client.
	Determine if the arborist is a member of any arborist associations. Membership does not guarantee quality, but lack of membership can cast doubts on the person’s professionalism. If arborist certification is available in your area, determine whether the arborist complies with the requirement.