With spring just around the corner, homeowners everywhere are gearing up to get their lawns in tip-top shape for the summer. In the landscape arsenal are lawn chemicals, which come in an array of formulations, each promising to deliver a beautiful lawn. Of valid concern are the harmful effects of these chemicals for our families and for the environment. After all, almost all pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides are toxic on some level.
While there has been a rise in “environmentally friendly” products hitting the market in recent years, many miss the mark and fall short in delivering results. If these “green” products are not right for you, you can still do your part to help the environment by using the minimal amounts of chemicals.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR GETTING THE BEST RESULTS WHILE USING LESS LAWN CHEMICALS:
- Healthy Soil: The first step to growing a healthy lawn begins with healthy soil. Starting the season with a soil test will tell you your lawn’s pH level, and whether your soil needs extra nutrients. This helps you know what fertilizer (and how much) is needed, so that you can use the minimal amount. There is less chance that weeds or pests will overtake a healthy lawn.
- Mow Often: Keeping your grass at a tall height can help grass grow thicker and with deeper roots than cutting grass short. Check the optimum height for your variety. Thick, healthy grass will choke out weeds, requiring less weed killer.
- Treat Problem Areas: In the case of unwanted bugs, make sure you know what kind of pests you’re dealing with (so you can choose the right type of pesticide.) It may not be necessary to treat the whole lawn. Formulations, such as pesticides, can be limited to problem areas, minimizing the use of unneeded chemicals.
- Use a Garden Sprayer: garden sprayers, with adjustable spray nozzles, allow you to deliver a very precise application. This gives you control to safely disperse the product only where needed. This targeted application can greatly reduce the amount of chemical used.
- Avoid Drips and Spills: A garden sprayer can help reduce the chance of lawn chemicals mistakenly getting into the environment. Most garden sprayers have large openings, making it easier (and safer) to fill and clean the tanks.
- Dispose of Lawn Chemical Properly: Always return lawn chemicals back to their original containers after use. NEVER flush these chemicals or put them down storm drains (it is illegal.) For information on how to dispose of household chemicals check with the Household Hazardous Waste Disposal site nearest you by calling 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) or visit http://www.earth911.com for more information.
- Use Protection: Always ensure your hands and arms are covered, and wear protective eyewear as needed. Make sure chemical products are stored out of the reach of children and pets, and ensure chemicals are not mixed and are properly labeled.
For information on Solo Garden Sprayers see: https://us.solo.global/3-sprayers