Keeping a Chemical Free Lawn

Keeping a chemical free lawn is among one of the top priorities in all things "green". Regenerating the lawn during the fall months from late August all throughout October is ideal for this purpose, if you're looking to make your lawn a more sustainable one, especially since it seems that synthetic types of fertilizers and pesticides are being ousted from the store shelves according to an article in the August 2011 issue of Natural Awakenings, a local Milwaukee publication.

The article states that organics in lawn care is becoming more and more in demand, while synthetics are moving to the back of the bus. Some of the natural options available are as follows.

Fertilizers

Active legislation to keep limited phosphorus and nitrogen content in the fertilizers is currently underway in approximately 20 U.S. states, specifically those states that are abundant with lakes. As a result, lawn care pesticide leader Scotts Miracle Gro company has agreed to remove phosphorus from their fertilizers, set to begin nationwide in 2012. Other companies, namely one called Espoma is ahead of the game already having 100 percent organic products as options.

Fungicides and Insecticides

In the world of pesticides, substances used to get rid of one pesty form of life, will most assuredly be harmful to other life forms as has been seen in a recent research coming from the American Academy of Pediatrics at Harvard University. This study has revealed that childhood diseases like attention deficit disorder, and autism may be linked to these chemicals, creating a demand for other natural alternatives.

Weed Killers

A "fairway" front lawn is the goal for many a homeowner nationwide, and has been so since 1967 when a major golf tournament called the Masters tournament was across the airwaves, impressing the public with the flawless lawn that was displayed during the game. The chemical that assisted in creating that flawless lawn was a derivative of Agent Orange and has since been a primary player in weed killing for homeowners across the nation. Now under increased scrutinization here in the states, this Agent Orange derivative has already been banned in Canada. A organic substitute for this chemical called "Fiesta" employs a gentler approach to weed killing by implementing it's own iron content as a means of weed control.

Source: Natural Awakenings Magazine, August 2011 issue.