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Are you worried about the effect of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on your family's health? Are you concerned that chemicals on your neighbors' property could be poisoning your well water? Ken Hughes, who oversees the maintenance of Norwalk, Conn.'s parks and playing fields, says, "An organic program might be better for you than traditional lawn care management."
Organic fertilizers and pesticides are becoming more popular as the trend towards organic becomes mainstream. Organic fertilizers or pesticides are, by definition, made from plants or animals. Non-organic products are produced synthetically from chemicals.
The active ingredients in organic fertilizers run the gamut from kelp to animal and human waste. Most are highly effective at adding nutrients to the soil, which is the main purpose of a fertilizer.
Organic pesticides are not as straightforward. A pesticide is anything that kills or regulates a pest. Herbicides control weeds, insecticides control insects, miticides controls mites, and so on. This area of the "green" industry is facing tighter regulatory controls, both at the state and federal levels.
There are several organic pesticides on the market. Corn gluten can be used as a pre-emergent weed control. Milky spore is used to control grubs, including Japanese beetles. Unfortunately, organic pesticides are not as effective as chemical treatments.
"If you decide on an all-organic maintenance program, be prepared to tolerate a few weeds and insects," says Hughes. "As long as you understand the limitations of organic pest control, you won't be disappointed." You'll be joining an increasing number of homeowners who have already chosen to keep chemicals away from their yards and families.
What are you spreading on your lawn? Check the label.
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