Landscaping

"Portland State University's Landscape Services department is working toward developing a more sustainble environment on our campus. Some of our efforts are mandated by our Salmon Safe commitment, some stem from faculty, student, and community desire, some make our job easier, and some just feel right." - Scott DeSelle, Landscape Services Supervisor

In its efforts to develop a healthy, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable environment, Landscape Services incorporates the following practices:

• Minimal use of fertilizers and the incorporation of organic products when possible.
• Reducing the number of annual plantings in favor of perennial plant material.
• Performing most weeding by hand and relying on spraying by a licensed applicator in limited instances of herbicide application for weed control.
• Composting/recycling all landscape debris at an off-campus location.
• Mulching turf areas, rather than collecting, when mowing conditions allow.
• Auditing irrigation systems and practices to identify opportunities for water savings, with plans to install central computerized control throughout campus.
• Incorporating Pacific Northwest native plant material in future construction and renovation projects, as appropriate.
  

Landscape practices at PSU are influenced by our Stormwater Management Plan, which includes best practices for Integrated Pest Management, Irrigation, and Drought Management.