Calling all MALP members, ESPECIALLY those who work in West Maui!
Our team from the West Maui Kumuwai Campaign [http://westmauikumuwai.org] would like to invite you to participate in our Ocean-Friendly Landscaper program. This free program will benefit your business through increased visibility and marketable branding opportunities.
The Landscaper Pledge is a branded landscape program aimed at reducing the effects of pollutants on our ocean. We’re realistic about what is and isn’t possible for your clients’ yards, while also staying true to what’s best for our ocean, and we developed the pledge with the assistance of MALP members in 2013. The program is designed to give you favorable exposure for your commitment, with both current and new clients.
All you have to do to participate is commit to at least 10 of the practices we have outlined in our Landscaper Pledge, below. You can submit your pledge and sign up online at [http://westmauikumuwai.org/yard-service-pledge-facebook], or download our flier and sign up form here [http://westmauikumuwai.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Landscaper-Pledge-flier.pdf]. We’ll add you to our online listing of Ocean-Friendly Landscapers [http://westmauikumuwai.org/resources/landscape-partners], and supply you with materials to share with your clients to let them know your business has been recognized as Ocean-Friendly, such as a badge to display on your website.
If you have any questions, please contact West Maui Kumuwai Campaign Manager Liz Foote at westmauikumuwai@gmail.com, or (808) 283-1631.
LANDSCAPER PLEDGE, West Maui Kumuwai Campaign:
Fertilizer Practices
1. Yard is maintained with no fertilizer, organic non-synthetic, or slow release fertilizer
2. If grass is present and you have a mulching mower, grass and plant clippings are left on the lawn, as a natural (chemical-free) fertilizer
If Fertilizer is Used:
3. Instructions on fertilizer label are always followed
4. Fertilizer is never used near storm drains, drainage ways, or the shoreline
5. If fertilizer gets on paved surfaces, such as driveways or sidewalks, it is swept off or removed into the yard or grass
Water and Planting
6. Irrigation is conducted less often and for longer periods, to promote deeper root growth
7. Automatic irrigation is utilized AND the irrigation system is in good repair with no breaks or leaks
8. Regularly check for visible signs of water stains on hard surfaces AND if erosion is occurring in vegetated areas from repeated overspray or water runoff
9. If automatic irrigation is used, a weather-based irrigation controller (WBIC) or “smart” irrigation controller is installed OR an irrigation controller has a rain shut-off
10. Plants with similar water needs are grouped together
11. Plants native to West Maui, or those that are drought-tolerant and non-invasive are utilized for at least 10% of the visible yard area
12. Mulch is placed around plants to help retain moisture and protect soil from erosion (Tip: be sure to avoid covering the base of the plants to avoid disease)
13. Mulch is used to cover bare locations AND there are no areas of exposed soil
14. If grass is present, no more than 1/3 of the grass blade is cut (Tip: taller blades of grass retain more moisture in the soil)
Contact: Liz Foote, (808) 283-1631, westmauikumuwai@gmail.com