Take back your lawn, naturally

Your lawn can be a great place to hang out, to kick a soccer ball, to host a barbecue, to exercise your pet. And, a lush lawn adds to the curb appeal of your home.

However, homeowners may choose lawn pesticides to achieve their desired result. There is growing public concern about the negative effects of pesticides to our health and environment. The Town of Caledon's Healthy Horticultural Landscapes Bylaw helps reduce pesticide use in our community. A new brochure is available from the Town, which provides information about the bylaw, healthy lawn tips, and questions to ask a lawn care provider. The brochure is available at Town Hall, recreation facilities and library branches.

"The Town of Caledon's by-law is based on the principles of Integrated Pest Management where environmental responsibility and health are paramount," said Mayor Marolyn Morrison. "Our new brochure helps educate residents about effective alternatives to pesticide use."

The Healthy Horticultural Landscapes Bylaw applies to everyone in Caledon: from golf courses to homeowners, to industrial and commercial properties. Integrated Pest Management is a process that controls pests effectively, economically and in an environmentally sound manner to sustain healthy landscapes with long-term solutions. The Town's bylaw requires the use of IPM-accredited companies for residents who hire a lawn care provider.

The Town of Caledon will host a Healthy Lawns & Gardens workshop for Caledon residents Thursday, May 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Caledon Community Complex in Caledon East. Join celebrity expert Denis Flanagan from HGTV's One Garden, Two Looks, and Ken Pavely from Landscape Ontario at this free workshop to learn eco-friendly tips to create a beautiful, healthy lawn and garden. Contact the Building & Bylaw Enforcement Department at 905-584-2272, ext. 4288.