Public Works and Environmental Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our offices are open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mon - Fri
703-324-5500 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 449, Fairfax, Va 22035
Joni Calmbacher
Director, Stormwater Planning

Pollution Prevention for Landscapers

The intention of the information below is to assist landscapers with following good housekeeping best practices. Please follow these guidelines to prevent pollution from entering storm drains and local waterways.

Pesticide, Herbicide, Fertilizer Use

Apply pesticide, herbicide and fertilizer per manufacturer's instructions.

DO
Apply per manufacturer’s instructions only as needed. Apply per Nutrient Management Plan to areas over 1 acre. Test soils to determine if fertilizer is needed. Fertilize in fall (if needed), not spring.

Do not overapply, apply before or during heavy rainfail.

DON'T
Overapply, apply before or during heavy rainfall, store chemicals outdoors and uncovered, get excess fertilizer on hard surfaces.

Grass Clippings and Leaves

Compost clippings and leaves on site or use a paper bag or reusable container for pickup or drop-off

DO
Compost clippings and leaves on site or use a paper bag or reusable container for pickup or drop-off.

Blow leaves or grass clippings into storm drain.

DON'T
Blow leaves or grass clippings into storm drain.

Irrigation/Watering

irrigation nozzles away from hard surfaces

DO
Direct irrigation nozzles away from hard surfaces.

Do not let irrigation water enter storm drains.

DON'T
Let irrigation water enter storm drains.

Salt/Deicer Application

Shovel first, then evenly apply deicer only on slick spots.

DO
Shovel first, then evenly apply deicer only on slick spots. A 12 oz mug of salt is enough for 10 sidewalk squares. Sweep up any spilled salt or deicer.

Do not overapply, dump, store deicer materials outdoors uncovered, or apply near storm drains.

DON'T
Overapply, dump, store deicer materials outdoors uncovered, or apply near storm drains.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant