TIPS FOR A HEALTHY LAWN
The non-profit advocacy group Environmental Defense gives
some tips on how to care for your lawn and the environment at the same time.
Lawn Care
Heavy applications of chemicals are not necessary for a healthy
and attractive lawn. Yet in pursuit of-the "ideal" lawn, a potent
assortment of pesticides is used by homeowners (who don't always
read warnings or follow dosage recommendations). These chemicals
are also routinely applied by lawn care companies, which do $1.5
billion of business in the U.S. each year. Some of the chemicals
have been linked to human illnesses, pet deaths and bird kills.
A healthy lawn can fight off most pests on its own. You can maximize
your lawn's health in the following ways:
- Don't bag it! For a healthy lawn, mow before the grass is
overgrown, remove no more than one-third of the leaf height
and leave clippings on the lawn. Contrary to myth,clippings
do not cause thatch; but they do take up a lot of space if they
are bagged and sent to the landfill.
- Choose the right variety of grass for your area. (To find
out what it is, check with the county extension office of the
Land Grant University in your state.)
- Many lawns don't require fertilizing. If a soil test shows
that yours does, follow recommended application times and amounts.
Avoid "weed and feed" fertilizers in favor of organic or other
"slow-release" types that gradually add nutrients to the soil.
- To develop a deep, drought resistant root system, water infrequently
and deeply, preferably in the early morning, to save water that
would otherwise evaporate.
- Twenty-five to fifty million pounds of toxic chemicals--including
pesticides such as Diazinon, which has been linked to massive
bird kills--are used every year in this country to maintain
private lawns. Find alternatives to chemical pesticides for
your lawn.
Garden Care
Despite your best efforts, your garden may develop some pest
problems. Insects are a natural part of a garden ecosystem. Employ
treatment only if a pest is doing unacceptable damage or threatening
to take over. The goal is to control it with minimal disruption
of other species.
- Consumers can send powerful signals. Support natural methods
of growing fruits and vegetables by buying organic produce.
If it's not available at your local grocery, ask to have it
stocked.
- Learn about organic gardening methods, which begin with the
least toxic or intrusive control tactics. Use chemicals only
as a last resort and not for long-term maintenance. In
all cases, choose the least toxic alternative available.
Written by: Environmental Defense