Lawn Care Without Chemicals 

You can have beautiful and healthy lawns and landscapes without resorting to toxic pesticides and lawn chemicals

Pesticides are Poison, studies demonstrate: 

  • People exposed to glyphosate found in Roun-up® are 2.7 times more likely to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma (Journal of Pesticide Reform 2004).
  • Pregnant women, infants and children, the aged and chronically ill are at greatest risk from pesticide exposure and chemically induced immune-suppression, which can increase susceptibility to cancer (EPA 2003). 
  • Children take in more pesticides relative to body weight than adults and have developing organ systems that make them more vulnerable and less able to detoxify toxin (EPA 1996). 
  • A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute finds home and garden pesticide use can increase the risk of childhood leukemia by almost seven times (Journal of the National Cancer Institute). 
  • Studies find that dogs exposed to herbicide-treated lawns and gardens can double their chance of developing canine lymphoma and may increase the risk of bladder cancer in certain breeds by four to seven times (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 2004) 
  • Exposure to home and garden pesticides can increase a child’s likelihood of developing asthma and recent research studies link pesticides with autism, hyperactivity, developmental delays, behavioral disorders and motor dysfunction (Environ Health Perspectives 2004).
See facesheet on Health Effects of 30 Commonly Used Lawn Pesticides  and 5 Reasons Not to Use Weed and Feed

You Can Have a Beautiful, Healthy Lawn Without the Use of Toxic Pesticides

How to Create an Organic Toxic-Free Lawn:
  • Fertilize moderately with organic products in spring and again in early fall to encourage root growth. 
  • Aerate. Soil compaction invites weeds and makes it difficult for air and water to enter the soil. Once your soil is returned to good health, the earthworms and birds will help keep it aerated. If a screwdriver will not push easily into your soil, it is too compacted. 
  • Water your lawn less often but for a longer duration to encourage deeper roots. 
  • Mowing the grass high will keep the sun out enough to discourage weeds from germinating and encourage deeper roots. Leaving the clippings on the lawn will add nitrogen to the soil.
  •  Think about replacing portions of your lawn with ornamental grasses, native prairie plants, flowers and bushes. These are often easier to maintain, can add beauty, and attract birds and beneficial insects. 

Read Here about lawn care without chemicals. 

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