Lawns, Gardens and the Environment Media Web Conference

1. Lawns, Gardens and the Environment Media Web Conference

2. 2 Speakers Bob LaGasse, Executive DirectorGarden Writers Association Rich Martinez, Chief Environmental OfficerThe Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Bruce Butterfield, Research DirectorNational Gardening Association Dr. Kim Tripp, DirectorThe New York Botanical Garden Dr. Terril Nell, ChairmanUniversity of Florida, Environmental Horticulture Dept.

3. 3 Rich Martinez Chief Environmental Officer, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

4. 4 1. How much do homeowners believe their own actions can improve the environment 2. What is their willingness to change their lawn and garden activities to improve the environment 3. How do consumers use lawn and garden products 4. Do consumers understand the possible impact of some of their actions In implementing our environmental stewardship strategy, our market research group explored four questions:

5. 5 Behavior can make a difference 73% of homeowners agreed that their individual behavior can make a difference in maintaining a healthy environment However, only 25% of homeowners said they proactively take personal action to ensure a safer environment. This number did not vary significantly by age or gender

6. 6 Willingness to change When we asked if they would be willing to change their lawn and garden activities to improve the environment, only 3% of homeowners said no 42% said they would definitely be willing to adjust their behavior and nearly half (48%) said they would consider doing so

7. 7 Ways consumers use lawn and garden products Of those who use fertilizer, only 52% of homeowners said they always sweep up excess fertilizer off the sidewalk or street after they apply it to their lawns Among those who mow their own lawn, 37% said they never clean up grass clippings from the street And 23% said they never think about the impact that their lawn and garden activities can have on the environment

8. 8 Understanding runoff Only 48% of homeowners in our survey were aware that runoff from rainfall flows directly in rivers, lakes and streams Nearly a quarter of respondents thought storm water went to a treatment facility before it was sent to surface water, and a similar number of people simply didn�t know

9. 9 Bruce Butterfield Research Director, National Gardening Association

10. 10 50-70% Follow these environmentally friendlylawn & garden practices

11. 11 30-49% Follow these environmentally friendlylawn & garden practices

12. 12 0-29% Follow these environmentally friendlylawn & garden practices

13. 13 Dr. Kim Tripp Director, The New York Botanical Garden

14. 14

15. 15 Integrated pest management tools Optimize plant health and vigor Make detailed, regular observations of plants - always checking for signs of insect and disease damage Use preventative measures Use biological controls Conservative use of the least harmful, home gardener appropriate pesticides only when absolutely necessary

16. 16 Dr. Terril Nell Chairman,University of Florida, Environmental Horticulture Dept.

17. 17 Embrace environmental landscape practices that do the following: Build healthy lawns, plants and trees Absorb and use applied nutrients Reduce sediment loss and runoff Build a sustainable management program

18. 18 Build healthy lawns, plants and trees Apply fertilizer in the spring, summer and fall at recommended rates Water plants with no more than � inch of water at a time Use a low phosphorous fertilizer

19. 19 Absorb and use nutrients Turfgrass absorbs fertilizer nutrients and pesticides � a natural filter. Reduces runoff into streams, lakes and rivers Properly applied nutrients are used by the turfgrass to grow Care must be used to apply fertilizers to lawn, plants and trees, not sidewalks and driveways

20. 20 Reduce sediment loss Soil and debris runoff pollutes our streams, lakes and rivers A healthy sod reduces soil erosion by 94-99% Sodded areas reduced runoff 28-46% Lawns provide a natural way to reduce erosion

21. 21 Build a sustainable landscape management program Allow clippings to remain on the lawn Avoid leaving clippings, leaves or fertilizer on walks, driveways or streets Calibrate and monitor your irrigation system Control weeds to build a healthy lawn

22. 22 Summary Homeowners care about the environment, however, behavior proves a need for more education A few key tips: Use the right cultural practices and varieties to ensure natural plant vigor Apply fertilizer and water at recommended rates Sweep up grass clippings to return nutrients to the soil Sweep fertilizer off pavement to keep out of water sources Choose the right products for the job and spot treat problem areas with a ready-made product that you don�t have to mix yourself

23. 23 Q&A To get in queue to ask a question, you can �raise your hand� by clicking on the icon located on the right hand side of your computer screen When we announce your name, we will take your phone off of mute and it will be your turn to speak  We ask that you limit yourself to one question and one follow up question to ensure that the greatest number of people have the opportunity to ask their questions

24. Lawns, Gardens and the Environment Media Web Conference

25. 25 For More Information To schedule an interview with one of today�s speakers, please call our media hotline at 312-240-2876 To review today�s presentations, visit the Web sites for The Scott Miracle-Gro Company, the National Gardening Association and the Garden Writers Association