Georgia Homeowner Survey of Landscape Management Practices

Abstract

A survey of Georgia homeowners provided insights about their use of fertilizers and pesticides. Knowledge of current homeowner practices is needed to develop a best management practices manual to be used by Master Gardeners to train the general public through the existing outreach programs. The objective of the training program is to reduce nutrient runoff and garden chemicals and improve the quality of surface water in urban watersheds. Results showed three of four homeowners did their own landscaping and, therefore, fully controlled the amount of applied chemicals and the area of application. Fertilizers were primarily applied to lawns, but a high percentage of homeowners also applied them to trees, shrubs, and flowers. Insecticides were applied by a larger percentage of homeowners than herbicides. Control of fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) was likely the reason behind the frequent use of insecticides. The desire for a weed free lawn was the plausible motivation behind the use of herbicides, which were used mostly on lawns. Fungicide use was infrequently reported by Georgia homeowners. The pattern of fertilizer and pesticide use suggests that the developed manual should emphasize techniques and cultural practices, which could lower the dependence on chemicals, while ultimately assuring the desired appearance of turf and ornamental plants.

A Review of Turfgrass Fertilizer Management Practices: Implications for Urban Water Quality

“…Turfgrass nutrient uptake rates are higher during periods of active root development (Mangiafico and Guillard, 2006;USEPA, 2005;Wherley et al, 2009). Educating homeowners about geological and environmental factors specific to different turfgrass types, such as cool-season vs. warmseason grasses, may help control nutrient leaching and runoff (Varlamoff et al, 2001). Accounting for differences in the rate of nutrient uptake between turfgrass and other landscape vegetation is another concern.…”

“…High rates of chemical inputs, even among people with knowledge and awareness about environmental issues, reveal the importance of community influences, or social economies, on lawn management practices (Robbins and Sharp, 2003;Robbins et al, 2001). There is a proportional relationship between urban sprawl and intensive lawn management because people are more likely to use lawn care chemicals if their neighbors engage in similar practices (Robbins et al, 2001;Varlamoff et al, 2001).…”

“…Researchers found that 80% of Georgia homeowners reported applying fertilizers to their landscapes (Varlamoff et al, 2001) because these homeowners had a perceived need to have a lawn of comparable quality (greenness) to those of their neighbors. While homeowners made the connection between green turfgrass and fertilization, Varlamoff et al (2001) found that homeowners were receptive to education about landscape practices that reduced the threat to the environment. Souto et al (2009) produced data similar to Georgia finding that 84% of homeowners in Florida applied fertilizer to their lawns either themselves or through commercial applicator.…”

Domestic Gardens as Water-wise Landscapes: A Case Study in Southwestern Europe

“…In the United States, there have been several studies examining residents' attitudes and preferences toward urban landscapes and water conservation choices (Hurd et al, 2006;Spinti et al, 2004;St. Hilaire et al, 2010;Varlamoff et al, 2001). In Spain, however, few studies have explored this area; among them, the study conducted in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, which examined the relationship of private gardens and water use for irrigation (Domene and Saurí, 2003), stands out.…”

Native Weedy Pests of the Deep South

“…Improper use of fertilizers, irrigation, mowing, and other practices can stress turfgrass species and allow certain weed species to proliferate. Homeowners may be unaware of proper cultural practices, although 70% to 80% may perform their own lawn/garden maintenance (Butterfield, 1999;Varlamoff et al, 2001). Studies have shown that many homeowners do not know how much water they are applying with irrigation systems (Bremer et al, 2012) and may excessively irrigate their lawns (Romero and Dukes, 2011), which can increase growth of many weed species.…”