Weeding through the pesticide ban: MVQS a first to offer consumers greener choices
Long before the debate was even sparked over pesticide use in Nova Scotia, Ryan Streatch got a valuable tip he will never forget from some loyal customers: offer green choices when it comes to sod.
The sales and marketing director with Musquodoboit Valley Quality Sod (MVQS) has always been on the look out for new products to meet the changing times in his industry.
With more talk of a greener landscapes – in every sense – being proposed by environmental groups, doctors, and the Nova Scotia provincial government, Streatch knew it was time to take a leadership role and offer products that reduces their environmental footprint.
Only a few weeks ago, his company, MVQS, made history as they launched a new green friendly sod called RTF (Rhizomatous Tall Fescue). They are the first in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to offer this sod which is now becoming the rave among homeowners. Later this month, MVQS will also be unveiling a new RTF water saver grass seed.
“Everyone has been aware of the debate over pesticide use,” says Streatch. “I must say, I am impressed to see how many people weighed in on the debate. There’s no doubt about it, more people now than ever care about the environment and want to play their part in making a better tomorrow.”
“This is why MVQS has come out with a new sod and seed, both friendly to the environment. We want to lead by example and work with others in protecting the environment,” adds Streatch who is also an active board member with Landscape Nova Scotia (LNS), a non-profit organization that represents landscape/horticultural organizations across the province.
The provincial government of Nova Scotia has placed a ban on “non-essential” pesticides that will take effect next spring for lawn care and spring of 2012 for ornamental shrubs, flowers and trees. A list of low-risk pesticides to be allowed will be developed over the coming months.
“RTF is an advanced generation of turf-type tall fescue which produces rhizomes,” says Streatch. “A rhizome is an underground stem that penetrates laterally through the soil to spread the plant. Rhizomes send shoots up to the soil surface while extending new roots downward, forming a new plant.”
RTF is similar to Kentucky bluegrass; however it is far better for surviving transitional zone climate and other tall fescue turf regions.
There are many natural benefits with RTF, according to Streatch.
“RTF is tops when it comes to insect and disease resistance; RTF requires 25% less watering, annual fertilizing is greatly reduced in comparison to other northern cool season grasses and forget the pesticides,” he says
“RTF is also self-repairing turf, in that it quickly fills in damaged or open spots with new shoots of grass, and also has a high level of traffic tolerance,” he says. “As well, it grows perfectly in the sun or shade, and has excellent colour and density.”
The RTF water saver grass seed is also a unique option for over-seeding, or seeding lawns, sports fields and golf courses. In all, the this new seed germinates in a eight to 12 day cycle and populates effectively once planted. Fertilizing is also greatly reduced when applying this seed.
In all, Streatch contends that a new reality has now set in and protecting the environment and the health of others is now paramount.
“We are now encouraging consumers and business owners to join the green revolution and make a different for our environment.”
If you are from Nova Scotia and would like more information on RTF sod, please visit: www.MVQS.caGranview – MVQS Full Mix May 21
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For more information, please contact:
Paul Fitzgerald
President and CEO of Salt & Pepper Media Inc
Phone: 902.482.9288
E-mail: paul@saltandpeppermediainc.com
