Neighborhood Network’s
Organic Landscaper Listing Program
Organic Standards for Landscapers

The Organic Landscaper List includes both landscapers and arborists, and is distributed to thousands of Long Islander homeowners each year, in addition to being featured on the Neighborhood Network's Web site. If you would like your business included on the Organic Landscaper List, contact Beth at 631-963-5454.

Definition for Organic Horticultural Practices

Adopted in March 2000

The following definition of organic horticulture practices was adopted by the LIOHA Board of Directors in March 2000. This definition will be followed and adhered to by the Neighborhood Network’s Organic Landscaper Listing Program:

Organic horticulture is an approach to growing that uses an understanding of ecosystems as a guide for caring for soil and plants. Organic horticulture works to recreate as closely as possible natural processes which support healthy plants. Materials and techniques used are those which promote healthy soil life, which are not toxic to humans, and which are least disruptive to the environment. Organic horticulture relies primarily on cultural and mechanical practices, organic fertilizers, composts and other forms of organic matter, rock dust minerals, microbial inoculants, and beneficial organisms to promote soil fertility and plant health. Synthetic chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and other toxic inputs are not used. Naturally derived products which present toxicity hazard to humans or non-target organisms under normal use are also prohibited.

Materials approved for use as organic by accredited certifying organizations (such as: NOFA and OMRI) are permitted, as are substances listed on the FIFRA 25(B) list which is determined by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Approved and Prohibited Products

Determining Which Products are Approved for use:

The lists in this article are meant to be exhaustive. However, it is understood that products which may come under consideration for use by the landscaping business may not be included on any of the following lists. If you are not sure whether a product fits the description of organic here laid out, please compare the products to the lists of products approved by OMRI or NOFA, or request guidance from the Neighborhood Network.

Products Approved for use:
1. Beneficial insects
2. Beneficial nematodes
3. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)
4. Compost [Quality may vary, use your professional judgment and know your source.]
5. Corn gluten
6. Fish Emulsion
7. Garlic oil/juice
8. Horticultural oils (preferably vegetable-based instead of petrochemical-based!)
9. Kelp/seaweed extracts
10. Lemon & vinegar formulations
11. Lime
12. Microbial inoculants
13. Milky spore
14. Neem
15. 100% Organic fertilizers, with no more than 7% water soluble nitrogen.
16. Pheromone lures
17. Pyrethrin / pyrethrum
18. Rock dust minerals

b. The products included in this list must not contain any ingredients which are prohibited from use. We do not support the use of products that are genetically engineered (e.g. Bt, corn gluten), however it is understood that not all genetically modified (GM) products and ingredients on the market are labeled as such. An organic business will not be judged to have violated these standards if they do not have actual knowledge that a product included GM ingredients.

Products Prohibited for Use:
1. All synthetic, chemical pesticides.
2. Arsenic.
3. Biosolids (i.e. Milorganite)
4. Genetically modified products, ingredients, or seeds. Please be aware that grass seeds are not presently labeled when genetically modified. (Endophytically enhanced seed is not GM and therefore is permitted.)
5. Piperonyl butoxide and other synthetic ingredients.
6. Pyrethroids.
7. Tobacco.

Note: Participating Businesses, particularly with new construction, are encouraged to avoid the use of wood products that have been treated with creosote, pentachlorophenol or arsenic preservatives. Naturally long-lasting wood materials including cedar, locust, and redwood are recommended.