Services
>
Yard
>
Natural Lawn & Garden Care
>
Natural Lawn Care
Think Twice About Pesticides
Alternatives to Pesticides or "Weed-and-Feed"
These products can damage soil and lawn health and pollute our waterways. Some studies also suggest that regular use of pesticides may harm our health.
|
|
Here are some alternative approaches:
- • Crowd out weeds and reduce pest damage by promoting a healthy, vigorous lawn through proper fertilization, irrigation, and mowing. Improve thin areas with aeration and overseeding. A healthy turf will need far fewer pesticides.
- • Accept a few "weeds" in your lawn. Some, like clover, may look fine.
- • Remove problem weeds by hand in the spring and fall. Don’t cover your entire lawn with weed-and-feed just to kill a few dandelions. Pincer-type long handled weed pullers are available at many garden stores. They work well in moist soil, with no stooping. Pull dandelions when they’re young (get as much root as possible) – big ones have to be pulled several times to kill them.
- • Spot-spray problem weeds with the proper herbicide at the right time of year. Identify the weed to make sure you are using the correct product.
If you do choose pesticides
Read the label carefully before using any pesticide (including weed-and-feed). Be sure to follow all label warnings, to wear proper protective clothing, and to keep children and pets off the lawn for at least as long as the label specifies. Call the Hazards Line at (206) 296-4692 for information on safe disposal and alternatives to pesticides.
About the Crane Fly
European crane flies can be a problem on wet lawns. Crane fly larvae feed on grass, roots and crowns in fall, but do most of their damage during warm winters and early spring. Many larvae are eaten by birds in fall and winter. This can bring populations under damaging levels.
You cannot control crane flies by applying pesticides in the late spring or early summer. Diazinon, an insecticide often used for control, is toxic to birds and aquatic life. Monitor larval populations in the early spring before any control method is selected. Call The Natural Lawn & Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224 for a brochure on monitoring techniques and control options. A healthy lawn can tolerate some crane fly damage. Overseed and fertilize in May to help fill in any damaged areas.
|
|
