6200 12TH DR SE 2020-10-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

D.2. Weed. Insect, and Disease Control for Turf • Weed invasion can be effectively prevented or reversed by growing dense lawn, through the above recommended practices. Tolerate some broad-leaved plants in lawn areas. Identify problem (invasive) weeds and target only those species. • Control weeds in turf by removal where practical (long-handled weed-pullers do this quickly), and remove them regularly before they go to seed. If weeds have over-run an area, spot-application of the least-toxic herbicide is permitted. • No broadcast herbicide or "weed-and-feed" products may be applied. • Moderately fertilized turf on well drained organic-rich soils rarely has serious disease problems. Correcting poor soil conditions or cultural practices (like over- watering or overfertilization) will prevent diseases. • Insects are rarely a problem on lawn in Seattle—the European crane fly is the only one in this area. IPM techniques of monitoring, setting tolerance levels, and least- toxic control can be applied effectively. Proper fertilization and overseeding will reduce crane fly damage. D.3. General IPM Steps and Methods IPM Steps Include: 1) Prevention first: plant vigorous, pest-resistant, site-adapted varieties. Plan cultural practices to minimize pests (watering, mulching, pruning, etc.). 2) Identify/know the pest (weed, etc.) life cycle. 3) Set action thresholds tolerate some damage. 4) Monitor regularly (keep records of monitoring). 5) When pests exceed threshold, use control method with the least non-target impact. (Try cultural, physical, or biological methods first. As a last resort, use spot applications of least toxic chemical.) Only treat when the pest is most vulnerable and its natural enemies are in their least susceptible life stage. 6) Keep records of control methods and results, evaluate, and adapt cultural practices. 7) Replace problem plants/designs with more pest, disease, and weed-resistant varieties. Weed Control Methods General Guidelines: • Crowd out weeds with dense healthy plantings, ground covers and shade canopies.