- Different cutting regimes to increase the vigour of turf and reduce weed invasion.
- The use of integrated pest management techniques.
- Increased use of naturalization.
- The installation of irrigation systems.
The Town has been working for years to keep all public lands free from chemical pesticides and instead have been using horticulutral vinegar to aid in controlling unwanted pests. Under regulations set by the Ministry of the Environment, Town staff must post pesticide signs when applying horticultural vinegar, please be aware that the application consists of a biodegradeable pesticide naturally produced from plants. Horticultural vinegar contains 20 per cent acetic acid and a plant-based surfactant, meaning it coats the outer plant layer and is used for spot applications only.
As of January 1, 2008, the use of pesticides within Oakville Town limits will be regulated. Town staff, with help and direction from the Pesticide Task Force, are working to develop a Town of Oakville Guide to Natural Gardening, which will outline proper cultural practices that need to be taken in order to keep your lawn and garden healthy and free from common pests such as white grubs, chinch bugs, dandelions and other common problems.
For information on the revised pesticide motion and by-law:
- Pesticide By-law 2007-036 (pdf, 130 kB)
- Pesticide By-law amendment 2007-123 (pdf, 410 kB)
- Staff Report on the Proposed By-Law Implementation Strategy (pdf, 885 kB)
- June 2007 Pesticide Task Force Report (pdf, 11 MB).
- February 14, 2007, news release
- February 2007 Council Agendas
Please use the following resources as a guide to maintaining healthy and beautiful gardens without the use of chemicals:
Oakville's Guide to Gardening Naturally
- Download Oakville's Guide to Gardening Naturally (pdf, 9 MB)
- Download Common Insect Solutions (pdf, kb)
- Download Permitted Product Brands Available in Stores (pdf, kb)
- Download Seasonal Calendar (pdf, kb)
This resource was was compiled by Town staff and the Pesticide Task Force to provide all residents with information on the specifics of Oakville's new by-law. It includes detailed information regarding proper cultural practices, alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, common pest problems and identification, water-efficient landscaping and native plants.
This document is subject to change. Hard copies of this booklet are available at Town Hall and at many Town events throughout the year. See our events page for more information.
Cultural Practices
- Download the Ten Steps to be Naturally Green Poster (pdf, 1 MB).
Health Benefits of Gardening
- Visit the Health Benefits of Gardening web page on the Go for Green website.
Environmental Benefits of Gardening
- Visit the Environmental Benefits of Natural Gardening web page on the Go for Green website.
Natural Alternatives
- Visit the Gardening Without Chemicals - Organic Alternatives to Herbicides and Pesticides web page on the Go for Green website.
- Download a City of Toronto fact sheet about common pest problems and natural solutions (pdf, kB).
- Download a City of Toronto fact sheet about managing common weeds the natural way (pdf, kB).
- Download a City of Toronto fact sheet about managing chinch bugs the natural way (pdf, kB).
Water Efficient Gardening
- Visit the Water-Wise Gardening web page on the Go for Green website.
- Visit the Water Efficient Landscaping web page on the Halton Region website
- Visit the Water Use By-law web page on the Halton Region website.
- Visit the Lawn Maintenance web page on the Halton Region website.
- Visit the Rainbarrel Information web page on the Halton Region website.
Gardening with Native Plants
- Visit the Gardening with Native Plants - A General Introduction web page on the Go for Green website.
- Visit the Gardening with Native Plants - Woodland Gardens web page on the Go for Green website.
- Visit the Gardening with Native Plants - Prairie and Meadow Gardens web page on the Go for Green website.
- Visit the Gardening with Native Plants - Wetland Gardens web page on the Go for Green website.
Natural Recipes for Pest Control
- Visit the Natural Care website for information about horticultural vinegar.
- Visit the Earth Easy website for non-toxic homemade remedies.
Garden Chemicals
- Visit Health and Environmental Costs about Garden Chemicals web page on the Go for Green website.
More Online Resources
- Visit the Internet Resources for Organic Gardening web page on the Go for Green website.
