Many of us strive to make our home landscapes a refuge of comfort and beauty free of pests and often without much concern for our environment. Particularly in urban areas, we have over used chemical fertilizers and pesticides to the point that they have become a source of pollution in our waterways and our ground waters.

        Many of us enjoy uniformity and balance in the landscapes we create. However, this method of planting can encourage destructive pests to become established which potentially encourages the over use of chemical pesticides.

Solutions

        Pest management in the landscape can be challenging. Planning is essential in making the transition to a more environmentally sound landscape. Consider a biodiverse landscape where indigenous plants and beneficial insects are utilized to keep destructive species in check. You can enhance your home landscape by planting a variety of different species and take a step in the right direction to improve our environment yet still have a beautiful landscape.