Attempts by some lawmakers to apply political solutions to questions of science is a disturbing trend impacting the green industry. In the U.S., we have a scientific, legal and administrative framework to evaluate pesticides for safety and effectiveness. Before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grants or renews registration to a product, extensive research is conducted so we can be confident... read more
It’s the first time in 35 years that lawn care industry veteran Bob Mann hasn’t kicked off spring by pushing a fertilizer spreader. In his relatively new role as director of state and local government relations for the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), he’s been spending his time at local and state legislature meetings to advocate for the industry,... read more
Anti-pesticide forces are seeing some success in convincing local governments to ban “cosmetic” pesticides. The anti-pesticide activists define cosmetic pesticides as those used to make lawns and the general landscape look better. In other words, most of the pesticides used by the green industry. In July 2013, Takoma Park, Md., passed the Safe Grow Act of 2013, which generally restricts... read more
The industry addresses fertilizer and pesticide regulations at the local, state and national levels. Location, location, location. The oft-cited phrase used to justify the price and salability of any home is equally good at describing the state of fertilizer and pesticide regulations across the country. In some places, New Jersey for example, the rules are relatively set and contractors are... read more
