When it comes to professional landscaping, beauty is just the beginning. Property managers and HOA boards today expect more than a manicured lawn—they want sustainability, safety, and environmental responsibility. That’s where Integrated Pest Management (IPM) comes in.
IPM is a strategic, science-based approach to managing pests in the landscape. At its core, it’s not about products—it’s about prescriptions. Like a good doctor, we assess the unique conditions of each property and deliver tailored solutions, starting with the least environmentally impactful methods. Herbicides? Always a last resort.
At Avid Landscape, this isn’t a trend. It’s how we were built. In fact, our co-owner, Will Bailey, helped develop the EcoPRO Sustainable Landscape certification, serving on the original committee that shaped the standard in Washington State.
What is Integrated Pest Management?
IPM is a multi-step system designed to minimize weed problems while protecting people, pets, and pollinators. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, it includes:
- Prevention – Create conditions that discourage weeds from thriving.
- Monitoring – Regular inspections to track weed activity.
- Identification – Understand exactly what’s affecting your landscape.
- Control – Apply targeted, low-impact solutions based on timing and severity.
- Evaluation – Adjust the strategy based on results.
Unlike traditional blanket chemical treatments, IPM is responsive, not reactive. It’s about long-term health, not short-term appearances.
“The most impactful part of our IPM approach is weed identification,” says co-owner Will Bailey. “We track germination and seed cycles so we can intervene early. And when we do use herbicides, it’s with precision—right product, right time, right spot.”
We don’t manage insect and disease issues directly—because in 95% of cases, these are symptoms of deeper cultural stress. Instead, we address root causes through fertilization, pruning, water management, or species replacement when necessary. For persistent problems, we refer clients to plant health care specialists.
Sustainable Pest Control Techniques We Use
At Avid, we take a science-forward, low-toxicity-first approach. Our most-used non-chemical weed control methods include:
- Flame Weeding – A targeted technique using a roofing blow torch to eliminate weeds in sidewalk cracks, gravel, or mulch-free beds. We take every precaution during dry summer months.
- Organic Herbicides – Occasionally, we use non-toxic, iron solution products formulated for broadleaf turf weeds, and OMRI-approved soaps or clove oil derivatives when appropriate.
- Cultural Controls – We prioritize mulching, proper pruning, drainage correction, and irrigation calibration to prevent pest conditions from developing in the first place.
We don’t currently deploy biological controls like predatory insects or traps, but we fully support that ecosystem-based approach. If you’re interested, organizations like the Xerces Society provide guidance on beneficial insects and pollinator habitat design.
One thing we won’t do? We don’t rely on high-toxicity, quick-fix chemicals that damage soil microbiology or increase long-term risk.
Why IPM Is the Smart Choice for Commercial Landscape Care
Property managers, HOA boards, and green-building advocates increasingly see IPM as the gold standard. Here’s why:
- Tenant Safety – Avid clients appreciate our people-first approach—especially families with kids or pets who spend time in shared outdoor areas.
- LEED Certification Support – One of our downtown Bellevue clients, for example, holds LEED Platinum status. As part of their certification requirements, we used Fiesta (a selective broadleaf bio-herbicide derived from iron) to reduce turf weeds substantially without compromising compliance. Learn more about LEED landscaping requirements.
- Reduced Risk – IPM reduces liability for property managers, protects pollinators, and minimizes public complaints.
- Lower Long-Term Costs – Sustainable management prevents costly outbreaks or unnecessary replanting.
For OSHA-compliant practices on landscape pesticide safety, refer to OSHA’s guidance.
Common Pests in Washington Commercial Landscapes—and How IPM Helps
Each region has its challenges, and Western Washington is no exception. Some of the most common commercial landscape pests we see include:
- Barnyard Grass & Dandelions – These are especially prevalent in turf during spring and summer.
- Morning Glory – An aggressive weed that requires careful timing and often mechanical removal.
- Invasive Noxious Weeds – Certain species are regulated by the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board, and we stay up to date on their listings to remain compliant.
Rather than resorting to repeat spraying regardless of need, we assess the pest’s lifecycle and choose the right intervention at the right moment. This minimizes regrowth and helps landscapes stabilize over time.
Educating Property Managers and Tenants on IPM
A crucial part of implementing IPM is client education. That’s why we work closely with HOA boards, property managers, and tenants to align expectations:
- Transitioning to IPM? Don’t expect a “cold turkey” change. We recommend phasing out chemical-heavy programs gradually.
- Understand that weed visibility may increase at first, and turf color might shift during soil microbiome restoration.
- We often use bridge products—like ammonium nitrate—to feed lawns quickly while still moving toward organic inputs.
While this approach may cost 10–15% more upfront due to premium products and increased labor, it’s an investment in the long-term health of your landscape. Our clients find that fewer pest issues, healthier soil, and reduced risk more than justify the difference.
During pest outbreaks, we provide our clients with timely reporting and consultation. For property managers juggling multiple sites, our transparency builds trust and improves satisfaction.
Let’s Build a Healthier Landscape—Together
If you’re looking for a landscape partner that leads with science, not sprays—and believes in prescriptive, proactive care—we’d love to hear from you.
📅 Schedule a Seasonal IPM Assessment using the form below
We’ll walk your site, diagnose current issues, and build a custom plan.
Search for us as certified professionals on EcoPROCertified.org or explore local resources through the WSDA Pest Management Program.
Sustainable Landscapes. Lasting Partnerships.
That’s the Avid Landscape way!