Best Management Practices

In January 1998, Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) convened a group of in-house experts in landscape maintenance, horticulture, and urban forestry to develop best management practices (BMPs) for landscape maintenance operations. This project was undertaken at the request of the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation as part of the City of Seattle’s Environmental Management Program. Newly revised in 2005, this document consists of nine chapters and provides insights, guidance, regulatory information, applicable policies, and management practices for landscapes within City of Seattle’s park system.

In this manual, BMPs are defined as a clear and consistent set of directions to SPR staff for the management and maintenance of landscaped and natural parkland, and the individual assets contained within those areas. Resource areas identified within Seattle parks include landscaped, horticultural, and urban forest landscape types. SPR, through its staff, is charged with responsibility as primary steward of these vast and valuable resources.

Table of Contents*(PDF 129k)
Introduction*(PDF 23k)

1. Construction Site Management in Landscapes*(PDF 408k)
2. Greenhouse Operations*(PDF 556k)
3. Integrated Pest Management*(PDF 152k)
4. Irrigation Management*(PDF 404k)
5. Natural Areas*(PDF 583k)
6. Nursery Operations*(PDF 172k)
7. Plant Bed Management*(PDF 222k)
8. Trees in Landscaped Areas and Developed Parks*(PDF 1M)
9. Turf Management*(PDF 346k)

For more info - contact Barb DeCaro | (206)615-1660 Barb.DeCaro@Seattle.gov

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