TLC - The Landscape Consultation (NA-97-0235)

The Landscape Consultation (TLC) includes the development and provision of individualized education and improvements in residental landscapes. TLC combines the features and resources of two nationally-recognized program models in an effort to preserve and restore the urban ecosystem- one yard at a time - Home*A*Syst, for its holistic and high quality-educational materials, and "The Energy Fitness Program" for its individualized, neighborhood-based approach.

TLC has provided customized information and advice related to urban forestry, plant health care, stormwater runoff, habitat diversity, composting and mulching. TLC has served as a cost-effective model for communities seeking to improve their environment while reducing costs related to waste management, stormwater management, etc.

The analysis of the Results of this pilot project indicate that the customized and individualized approach of TLC was affective in causing positive behavior changes in the participants who took part. For example, a significant number of residents reduced their use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Although only a small number of participants took action to plant more trees, a greater number indicated that they were spending more time in proper tree care, such as pruning and mulching.

NOTE: The Landscape Consultation (TLC) within the context of printed material issued to participants, Advisory Team members and others is referred to as Home*A*Syst. This was done to avoid confusing the public. Home*A*Syst (see Attachment F) is a program of the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program. Home*A*Syst, however, does not contain a component related to tree selection, tree care, pruning and mulching. That portion was added to help us achieve the main goal of TLC.

TLC has provided customized information and advice related to urban forestry, plant health care, stormwater runoff, habitat diversity, composting and mulching. TLC has served as a cost-effective model for communities seeking to improve their environment while reducing costs related to waste management, stormwater management, etc.

The analysis of the Results of this pilot project indicate that the customized and individualized approach of TLC was affective in causing positive behavior changes in the participants who took part. For example, a significant number of residents reduced their use of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Although only a small number of participants took action to plant more trees, a greater number indicated that they were spending more time in proper tree care, such as pruning and mulching.

NOTE: The Landscape Consultation (TLC) within the context of printed material issued to participants, Advisory Team members and others is referred to as Home*A*Syst. This was done to avoid confusing the public. Home*A*Syst (see Attachment F) is a program of the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program. Home*A*Syst, however, does not contain a component related to tree selection, tree care, pruning and mulching. That portion was added to help us achieve the main goal of TLC.