While we may not think of the green industry as being highly regulated, there are always new and changing state, local, and federal regulations to be aware of. From labor laws to environmental regulations, as a property manager, it’s important to make sure you and your vendors are all in compliance with these rules, so things run smoothly and efficiently.
In this post, we’ll focus on three main areas – Water Conservation & Management, Environmental & Sustainability Regulations, and Workplace Compliance.
Water Conservation & Management
If the last few years are any indication, the weather is becoming more unpredictable and areas throughout the country are dealing with either too much or too little precipitation at any given time, particularly due to climate change. From the southwest to the northeast, conserving water through the dry season, or capturing and controlling it through the stormy season, there’s an ever-increasing number of laws to help maximize this vital resource, including:
- Santa Fe, NM – A new ordinance limits the types of landscaping that can be installed and promotes xeriscaping.
- Los Angeles, CA – Strict watering days have been implemented, as well as the encouragement of drought-resistant landscaping techniques.
- New York, NY – New York City has developed a Green Infrastructure program that requires developers to incorporate green infrastructure into new buildings to manage stormwater.
- Maryland – A new Stormwater Act requires new development projects to implement green infrastructure such as green roofs and bioretention systems to help manage rainwater.
Environmental & Sustainability
Along with good water management practices, many areas are beginning to enforce regulations to help promote sustainable landscaping and tree care practices. Pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemical applications – even the planting of non-native plant and tree species – are being monitored to ensure the overall health of green spaces, and the ecosystem as a whole.
- Regulations – Some state and local governments, including in California and New York, have passed regulations banning the use of specific products, including pesticides, making it essential for landscape providers to stay up to date with their chemical portfolios.
- Invasive Species Management – Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana, among others have begun prohibiting the sale and distribution of invasive plants, which has required landscape professionals to monitor their designs and be aware of the status of the plants and trees they’re installing.
Workplace Compliance
From wages and hours to safety, training, and certifications, the workplace is always evolving. Several cities and states have recently announced changes to regulations affecting workers and the jobs they perform across our industry. These changes help protect workers and are designed to create a safe, productive workplace.
- Safety Standards – OSHA has issued new Tree Care Industry Guidelines and Fall Protection Standards to ensure companies are doing more to protect their employees from injury.
- Training and Certification – Massachusetts now requires tree care professionals to obtain certification to ensure they’re trained in safe, effective tree care practices, and many other states require tree care professionals to be ISA Certified® Arborists.
- Labor Laws – New York City has implemented a Fair Work Week law requiring employers to provide advanced notice of schedules for employees, while California has increased their minimum wage.
No matter where your property is located, there are rules, regulations, and codes to follow. Some you’re familiar with, some you may not be – which is why choosing the right partners matters so much. Davey’s local teams are trained in the latest regulations to stay ahead of any changes that may affect your property or your business, so you can focus on other areas, and leave the rest to us.
