University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
OP-10: Landscape Management

UW-L uses an Integrated Pest Management approach to limit the amount of chemicals used and to use the least toxic chemicals when they are necessary.

The major components of our Integrated Pest Management Program are:

• Selection and use of plant species that are proven to be hardy, durable and relatively pest free in our environment.

• Selection of the proper plants for the available space, light, soil and moisture conditions of each site.

• Selection of plants to expand diversity of species on campus which encourages beneficial insects and limits epidemics of pests or disease in overused species.

• Identification of a threshold level or acceptable level of unwanted plants or insect in the landscape. For example, in most cases minor aesthetic damage to plants from an insect is tolerable in our setting. However, damage that significantly impacts the health or threatens the survival of a plant would usually warrant chemical treatment. Threshold levels are determined on a case by case basis taking all relevant information into consideration.

• Monitor the environment to detect problems early and limit the amount of treatment needed.

• Use of mulch to retain soil moisture, help keep roots cool and discourage weeds.

• When herbicide or pesticide applications are necessary the least toxic product which will be effective is used whenever possible.

• All herbicide and pesticide applications are made by applicators trained, certified and licensed through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

• Maximize the use of locally sourced, native plant material that is well suited for the local environment. Such plant material will require less fertilizer, irrigation, or pesticide. Emphasis should be placed upon perennials rather than annuals.

• Utilize the widest genetic base among individual species.

• Eliminate existing invasive exotic species.

• Include endangered, rare species to the extent possible.

• Include useful plants (e.g., pest deterrents, nitrogen-fixing plants, edibles and medicinals) for pedagogical and practical purposes.

• Maintain and update the campus tree inventory on an annual basis.

The Landscape Services Department maintains a registry of all campus trees and plants. This inventory is retained to assure species diversity and selection of native species. The University has installed numerous bioinfiltration basins to improve storm water quality and reduce discharges to the storm sewer system. These basins have all been planted with a diverse mix of native trees and plants. All new construction includes a landscape plan that per State of Wisconsin building requirements for State facilities requires the use of native and ecologically appropriate plants. The University controls and manages invasive species through regular inspections, hand weeding and limited use of appropriate controls consistent with the University Integrated Pest Management Control Program.

UW–La Crosse mulches grass clippings and leaves directly back into the landscape. Trees, branches and other wood are chipped for reuse. Tree stumps are ground in place and the remaining chips are mixed into soil, left in place, or collected for on-site use. Compostable materials are delivered to a privately owned local farm for composting. Compost from the farm is then returned to the campus for site use.

When turf areas on campus are mowed, the cuttings are mulched back into the soil. Organic compost is added to formal planted areas on campus, as needed. The campus minimizes the use of inorganic fertilizers.

Materials used in landscaping such as mulch or soil additions (compost, if needed) are locally sourced. The most environmentally benign materials are targeted for use on managed campus areas.

The campus maintains a storm water management plan that exceeds all state and federal guidelines. In part, these guidelines required reduction of total suspended solids by 20%. The campus has exceeded the 20% requirement. A variety of managed landscapes such as swales, bio-infiltration basins and catch basins helps slow and clean runoff from hardscape surfaces on campus.

The Landscape Services Department uses a variety of equipment and techniques for snow and ice control, allowing the best choice of options to tackle the given snow/ice accumulation in the most cost effective and environmentally friendly manner possible. Modern salters and sanders are used and equipment is upgraded. Different types of snow melt and salt/sand mixtures are used to obtain best results while using the least amount of product to keep campus safe. Sand use is kept to a minimum.

All employees are trained on equipment before applying any products. Hydraulic brooms are used on sidewalk areas to remove snow and ice. This keeps the pavement areas ice free most times and reduces the need for ice melts in most instances. When salting, the least amount of product is used to obtain a safe travel surface.

The campus purchases salt and ice melt through a state contract so products used are products that are chosen by state contracts. These contracts require reduced concentrations of sodium chloride in ice melts. The ice melts substitute with calcium and potassium chloride.