The establishment of appropriate standards is one of the most difficult aspects of implementing urban IPM because it involves aesthetic values, which are subjective in nature and variable according to individual views. This often creates differences of opinion regarding what the standards should actually be and also has a direct bearing on exactly which management methods are to be implemented.
IPM promotes tolerance of non-damaging pest populations and appropriate thresholds (i.e., tolerance levels) for pest control that reduce unnecessary treatments. This enhances program efficacy and minimizes the application of undesirable treatments (e.g., pesticide use).
For a more in-depth discussion of standards and other core concepts of the IPM methodology, see Introduction to IPM for Urban Landscapes, a comprehensive primer for understanding IPM as it relates to the management and maintenance of urban landscapes.
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Tolerance or acceptance of “weeds” affects maintenance requirements. Standards of maintenance that require removal of these English daisies would eliminate the beauty they bring to these widely observed but only casually used turf areas. Maintenance practices and intensity should reflect an area’s purpose and level of use. |
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Incorporation of various low growing, flowering plants can add to the aesthetic appearance of a lawn while reducing maintenance requirements (e.g., number of mowings; lawn can grow taller before needing to be cut). Excellent in areas that are used for casual and utilitarian purposes. |
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| “Meadow management" of little used turf areas can also reduce maintenance requirements and still provide an adequate level of care. People like to walk, ride, or drive through well trimmed areas with “natural” areas immediately adjacent. These naturalized sites attract additional wildlife and promote a feeling of proximity to nature, even in heavily urbanized areas. |  |
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Three views of root weevil damage to viburnum plants. When viewed at a distance, incidental weevil damage is hardly noticeable. Only when seen close up does the impact of the weevils become apparent. Pest control practices should reflect the purpose of a landscape, the way in which it will usually be observed, and the potential for further damage (within the same site or beyond). Intensive control of weeds, insects, and diseases should be minimized unless otherwise justifiable. |
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