University of Rochester
OP-10: Landscape Management

The University of Rochester uses as few pesticides as possible. There is nowhere on the campus that is not covered by the IPM plan. The pest control unit is very careful with IPM and tries to limit their use of pesticides. IPM considers what is economically practical, socially and esthetically acceptable, as well as environmentally responsible. The results are a Campus with high quality plantings with fewer pesticide applications. Judicious cultural and fertilizer practices are other reasons for the excellent horticulture results. No preventative pesticides are used, promoting beneficial insects and mites in tree canopies. In addition, regular overseeding promotes healthier turf resulting in the reduced demand for herbicides.

The University of Rochester utilizes the guiding principles of a sustainable site developed by the Sustainable Sites Handbook in its management of landscape: do no harm, precautionary principle, design with nature and culture, use a decision making hierarchy of preservation, conservation and regeneration and use a collaborative, systems thinking and ethical approach.

Whenever possible, native plants are prioritized for planting. They are the first consideration in any planting project. Native plants are also used in landscaping for education and pest resistance opportunities. Protection of existing trees and shrubs shall include fencing a minimum of 5’ outside the dripline of the crown; lawn areas shall be protected with fencing at limits defined by the Project Manager. Any traffic or construction within this area requires authorization from the Project Manager or Manager of Horticulture and Grounds. Where traffic is approved within the dripline, the area of travel is to be covered with 6” of mulch placed on the ground and then a layer of 3⁄4” plywood prior to any work.

The brush composting and reusing program has been going on for at least 50 years. The University of Rochester Grounds staff never puts organic waste into dumpsters or other trash disposals.

The University practices a variety of organic soil management techniques including aeration, recycling of grass clippings as well are using topdressing materials in limited locations.

The University of Rochester uses recycler lawn movers that produce tiny clippings that are injected back in to the turf, where they break down and provide nutrients for the lawn. This practice can reduce fertilizer use up to 40%. The University also practices the mulching of plant beds for water retention and weed suppression.

The University of Rochester is dedicated to installing rain-gardens with every new building project.

The University of Rochester uses an EPA-awarded treated salt product that greatly limits its use of salt when removing snow and ice. SEACO’s “Ice B’Gone” salt treatment product won the EPA's distinguished DfE (Design for Environment) Award. The University uses this product for road de-icing. SEACO uses only organic, agriculture-based ingredients which are then blended with chloride salts and applied to ice and snow-covered roadways. These patented de-icing products are considered environmentally gentle because they are biodegradable and contribute to a 30% reduction in salt use as well as a 70% reduction in corrosion to bridges, roadway surfaces, equipment and vehicles. The blended product works much longer and in significantly lower temperatures than untreated salt, resulting in reduced salt use.

We've identified an Old Growth forest on South Campus but it is not certified.