Why are certain items not eligible for funding, such as pressure-treated wood, peat moss, top soil, pesticides and trees over $350?
• Pressure-treated wood – Some pressure-treated wood has been treated with arsenic, which is toxic to people through touch (it’s absorbed through the skin). See http://www.toronto.ca/health/factsheet_ptw.htm for more information. Some popular alternatives include untreated wood, wooden packing crates, stone, old logs, recycled plastic lumber and barrels. • Peat moss – Evergreen does not advocate the use of peat moss, since the harvesting process damages the delicate peat bog ecosystem. Peat moss is a non-renewable resource in our lifetime. As well, native plants do not require the nutrients provided by peat to help them grow. Some alternatives to peat moss are leaf or mushroom compost and wood mulch. • Topsoil – Removing or adding topsoil from other areas disturbs the delicate balance of microorganisms required to keep your soil healthy. Instead we recommend you use compost and wood mulch to augment your soil. • Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides – One of the many benefits of natural
