Green Industry ECOnomics - LandcareNetwork.org

“Clients love that no-pesticide stance,” said Heller. “The question is how do
we communicate to them that we are sustainable but sometimes we need to
use these products” He gave the example of the need to treat a valuable tree
to save it from Asian longhorn beetles, which came to the United States in
wooden pallets from China. The only ways to attack the destructive invasive
pest are to grind host trees and insects or chemically pre-inject trees the
beetle feeds on. This non-native insect has destroyed hundreds of thousands
of trees.
Chapter Summary:
1. Lawns are the largest segment of the green industry and are a
part of American gardening culture.
2. University studies show that using a combination of natural
controls, IPM, and cultural practices can yield a healthy lawn
with 5 percent or less defects and lower costs than chemical
applications.
3. Chemicals are often necessary in controlling insects and beneficial
if used judiciously.
44 Green Industry ECOnomics