Source: Salaberry-de-Valleyfield
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The City of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield calls on citizens, who have their lawns treated with fertilizers and pesticides, or their homes sprayed against spiders. They must ensure that the solicited contractor has a certificate of registration from the City. Because the use of all synthetic pesticides in urbanized and residential areas is prohibited.
Although only low-impact pesticides are allowed in urban areas, the City recalls that their use is a “false good idea”. It should be reserved for rare cases of infestation. She recommends giving up treatments by opting for the eco-lawn: the best alternative for a resilient lawn in the service of biodiversity. The City’s Green Squad offers advice during free home appointments. It also discloses information, available on its website, in relation to good practices.
Lawn treatment
In order not to be in violation of By-law 222, clients must ensure that the contractor has a certificate of registration from the City, by consulting the list on the City’s website or by contacting the Inquiries Department. Campivallensiens, who use companies for the maintenance of their lawn, are also encouraged to ask questions about the products that will be applied and their need.
Green squad and free advice at home
The Green Squad, which is made up of students specializing in the field of horticulture and biology, supports citizens free of charge in the transition from a monoculture lawn to a natural and diversified (resilient) lawn. The squad also provides information on the use of certain products, on native plants, invasive or harmful species, home composting, the application of watering and pesticide regulations, white grubs, ragweed or any other information related to biodiversity. For an appointment: 450 370-4820.
Ecopelouse
If the homogeneous monoculture lawn corresponds to the aesthetic criteria long promoted, it is nevertheless a fragile lawn which needs treatments (fertilizers and pesticides) to survive. On the contrary, the diverse lawn, which has varied and complementary plant species, requires very little maintenance. “Unless it is used for sports, it is a waste not to make our grass a mesh of the green net of local biodiversity and a nurturing site for pollinators, which allows fruits and vegetables to grow. Put end to end, the grassy spaces represent millions of square meters of green space which do not play their full ecosystem role, but which we can, each at our own level, make efficient and useful for the benefit of our environment and our quality. of life, ”explains Marie-Lou Lacasse, advisor at the Environment Department.
“This reflection should also lead us to rethink our flower beds by favoring native plants (min. 70%), because their value in the ecosystem is considerably greater. They are useful, beautiful and cost a lot less! »Tips and suggestions for lawns and flower beds on the Town’s website: ville.valleyfield.qc.ca/ecopelouse.
A major fight against pesticides
Through its efforts and diligence, the City of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield has been leading a major fight against the application of pesticides for ten years: regulations, dedicated team, awareness campaigns, taking samples for control, issuing of reports of infringement and legal actions with the support of external experts. This year again, the Green Squad patrols full time and takes samples to ensure the application of regulations and to ensure the safety of Campivallensians and their environment.
The City reminds its citizens that all pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.), even low impact, are harmful and should only be used as a last resort. They lead to the contamination of water, air and soil, but above all they have a definite impact on the health of all in the short, medium and long term. Their use is therefore far from harmless.
Information : ville.valleyfield.qc.ca/pesticides.
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