Integrated Pest Management – IPM
TLC practices Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of commonsense practices. As a first line of pest control, IPM programs work to manage the lawns, trees, shrubs or indoor space to prevent pests from becoming a threat. In an urban environment, this may mean using plants that are resistant to root rot in an area susceptible to root rot. This type of control method can be very effective and cost-efficient and present little to no risk to people or the environment. Less risky pest controls are chosen first, including highly targeted chemicals such as crab grass specific or broadleaf weed specific chemicals. However, the most effective prevention of weeds in turf is promoting healthy grass. A healthy lawn is naturally resistant to an infestation of weeds.

Pre & Post Emergent
Pre-emergents are a class of herbicides that are designed to hold in place on the top layer of soil and kill young seedlings as they emerge. This is an effective chemical for the prevention of new weeds. It has a cumulative effect and works best if used 2 times per year at the appropriate times. Weeds are not eradicated but are prevented from sprouting thereby minimizing weeds.

Post emergent herbicides work on plants that already have leaves. There are selective post emergent chemicals which target (kill) a specific type or species of plants. Non selective post emergent herbicides do not differentiate between plant species. Some post emergents translocate to other parts of the plant – e.g. the roots. Contact type post emergents kill only the part of the plant that the chemical comes in contact with. To effectively and safely use chemicals it is important to have the proper training, understanding, experience and certifications for chemical application. TLC has knowledgeable licensed applicators and the proper equipment for the application of chemicals to control weeds and other pests in an urban environment.