Organic Lawn Care: Worthwhile or Worthless?
We all like to be responsible and practical. That’s how one becomes a home owner, no? Unfortunately, the things that are the most responsible are not always the most practical. Grocery shopping for instance. You want to buy all your vegetables at Wholefoods, (or some expensive organic grocer), but is it practical to break the bank for organic food? It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that we’re perfectly happy eating some GMOs if it means having some financial freedom.
Now organic lawn care may not force us to break the ceramic pig, but it does beg the question of practicality. It takes three to four years before an organic lawn care program becomes truly effective. Furthermore, organic lawn care programs cost twice as much as your instantly gratifying chemical program… so why bother, right?
The Detriments of Chemical Lawn Care
Well if you have pets, kids, or the desire to roll around on your own lawn, an organic program may be for you. Chemical lawn care programs contain neurotoxins called organophosphates, which are, (you guessed it), not good for you. In fact, organophosphates can be lethal in larger doses.
The most harmful chemical products are the weed-and-feed fertilizers we’ve learned to love. What's better than being able to kill weeds while feeding your lawn? These two-in-one products may be marketed as time and cost savers but they contain the herbicide commonly referred to as 2,4-D or Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.
According to the National Pesticide Information Center, “Some studies have suggested that there may be links between non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and exposure to 2,4-D by itself”. In addition to this possibly alarming news, 2-4, D can cause serious skin irritation and permanent eye damage if contact is made.
We know what you’re thinking. We all eat a little dirt before we die, so what’s the big deal. Chemicals are cheaper, the results are immediate, and isn't too late for me anyway? Even if you haven’t experienced the dangers of chemical lawn care first-hand, there is always the larger picture to consider. Making the switch to organic means a healthier environment.
The environmental impact of chemical lawn care has a snowball effect. Over decades of applications, these chemicals run-off into surrounding low lands and lakes. This means chemicals that harm you, your family, and the surrounding wild life for years to come.
The Benefits of Organic Lawn Care
The old adage, good things come to those who wait, perfectly describes organic lawn care. Among the most notable benefits, is the steady, slow release of nutrients, better moisture retention, nutrient retention, improved soil structure, and no pollution.
Organic lawn care does not run the risk of burning your lawn. On the contrary, these practices improve the overall health of your turf. Organic fertilizers encourage the development of deep roots and create an environment perfect for beneficial garden organisms like worms and soil microbials. These beneficial garden organisms work to naturally aerate the soil. Essentially, they improve your soil's structure by moving around and defecating. What's better than natural fertilizer that replenishes itself?