The use of lawn chemicals at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is governed by the Landscape Subcommittee of the Physical Environment Committee. The Department of Facility Services, Buildings and Grounds Section, manages the contract with the vendor who provides lawn chemical treatments. The Department of University Safety and Assurances seeks to keep the campus community informed about lawn chemical use.

Current policy mandates reduced use of chemical herbicides. In response to this policy Facility Services contracts for three lawn chemical applications per year:

• Spring: Chemical fertilizer [Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (Potash)] combined with a broad leaf herbicide and a crabgrass herbicide is applied on a weekend morning.
• Summer: Chemical fertilizer only is applied. "Spot" applications of broadleaf and crabgrass herbicides are used where weed growth is prolific. Again, applications are made early on weekend mornings when campus population density is low.
• Fall: Chemical fertilizer only is applied. No herbicides are used. Applications are made on a weekend morning.

Lawn Chemical applications for 2007 are anticipated for the following dates:

• Spring:      Friday, May 4, 2007
• Summer:   Saturday, June 16, 2007
• Fall:           Saturday, September 8, 2007

Material Safety Data Sheets for the lawn chemicals used are available to campus occupants and neighbors as part of UWM's Chemical Right-To-Know Program. Contact UWM Grounds operations at (414) 229-6272 or University Safety and Assurances at (414) 229-6339 for further information.