Become a Certified Delaware Livable Lawns Company
The Delaware Livable Lawns Program certifies lawn care companies that follow environmentally friendly practices in fertilizer application while educating property owners.
This program will:
- Recognize you for using environmentally friendly methods that go above and beyond.
- Provide free marketing for your company.
- Attract customers who have a concern for the environment and value your expertise.
This program will not:
- Cost you anything.
- Tell you how to manage your business or suggest additional fees to charge.
- Weigh you down with excessive reporting requirements.
What is the goal of the Delaware Livable Lawns program?
The program’s goal is to reduce fertilizer runoff from residential lawns. While many homeowners may be unaware of how, when, and how much fertilizer to apply, professional lawn care staff have the expertise to fertilize lawns correctly. Certified Livable Lawns companies go beyond the current regulations that govern fertilizer use by following environmentally friendly practices, resulting in healthy lawns and waterways.
What are the benefits of getting certified?
- Cost savings from applying less fertilizer
- Recognition of your expertise with environmentally friendly lawn care methods
- Free listing on the program website and other publications
- Free program advertising via the Delaware Livable Lawns partnership
- Complimentary use of the program logo in your marketing materials
- Free leave behind educational materials
What are the requirements for certification?
- Keep fertilizer and grass clippings off any impervious surfaces
- Leave behind educational lawn care materials
- For all new accounts, test the soil for phosphorus, potassium, and pH before application
- For established accounts, test the soil once every three years to determine the specific lawn needs
- Apply nutrients based on the fertilizer chart requirements
- Calibrate spreaders for correct application rates and record the pounds of nutrients applied to each lawn
- Be a certified Nutrient Management Handler
- Submit an annual report to the Delaware Nursery and Landscape Association
We also recommend that certified companies provide residents with copies of their soil tests, seed with turf-type tall fescue, and use slow-release fertilizers.
What are the reporting requirements?
Delaware Livable Lawns companies will submit the reporting form once per year, which includes the following information:
- Business name, address, and contact information
- Total number of customers your company serves and total number of new customers each year
- Total area of lawns maintained
- Total nitrogen applied to lawns, broken down by month of application
- If applications vary from the recommended timing, provide an explanation
All certified companies must keep all soil test results and application information for three years to be randomly audited.