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Enhanced Pesticide Management Program

Natural Yard and Garden Care

There are many things we can do in our yard to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, while continuing to maintain a beautiful lawn or garden.

Environmental Sustainability workshops have been designed to help reduce pesticide use and encourage the transition to more sustainable practices. Offered from March to November, these workshops are taught by skilled practitioners, sharing their best tips and experiences with participants. Please check this page or consult the Parks, Recreation and Culture Guide regularly for currently offered workshops. 

Lawn Care Tips
Keep your lawn healthy and thick with proper lawn care practices, such as:

  • Increase mowing height to 8-10 cm (3-4 in). Longer grass blades mean a longer root system that is more resilient to pest and drought.
  • Fertilize regularly by top dressing twice a year with compost or by using organic, slow-release fertilizers.
  • Leave grass clippings on the lawn, rather than bagging and disposing of them (grass recycling). This naturally fertilizes your lawn with nutrients after each mow.
  • Water your lawn deeply: 2 to 3 cm (½ to 1 inch) once a week to promote a lush lawn with deep roots that better resist insect damage and drought.
  • Overseed your lawn annually with a grass seed mix will contribute to maintain a dense, healthy, and weed-free lawn.
  • Lime your lawn in fall and spring to counteract the soil’s natural acidity. Acidic soil prevents grass from taking up key nutrients necessary for its optimal growth and health.

European Chafer Control
For European Chafer information and control, please visit our dedicated webpage: www.richmond.ca/chafer.

PDF Document European Chafer Beetle Management Brochure

NEW Grow Green
The Grow Green Guide was created in partnership between Metro Vancouver and UBC Botanical Garden, to provide a step-by-step guide for starting and maintaining beautiful and sustainable gardens, specifically designed for the climate and ecology of this region. 

Yard Waste Disposal
Please take care to dispose of your yard and garden waste appropriately. Use a Green Can, Green Cart or take your trimmings to the City Recycling Depot for proper disposal.
PDF Document Appropriate Yard Waste Disposal

Useful Links

Books and Guides

  • West Coast Gardening: Natural Insect, Weed & Disease Control (2013) Backyard Bounty: The Complete Guide to Year-Round Organic Gardening in the Pacific Northwest - Linda Gilkeson (2011)
  • Year-Around Harvest - Linda Gilkeson (2010)
  • How to Get Your Lawn and Garden Off Drugs: A Basic Guide To Pesticide Free Gardening in North America - Carole Rubin (2003)
  • How to Get Your Lawn off Grass: A North American Guide to Turning off the Water Tap and Going Native - Carole Rubin (2002)
  • The Organic Lawn Care Manual - Paul Turkey (2007)

Many more resources books are also available in the Gardening section at your local Richmond Public Library Branch.

For More Information 
Register and attend our free Environmental Sustainability Workshops for expert advice and practices. Check back soon for Spring 2017 workshops.

For detailed information on pest and yard care in Richmond, please contact:
Phone: 604-276-4398 (Pesticide Info Line) OR
E-mail: invasiveplants@richmond.ca

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