Why go organic?

In 2004, the Ontario College of Family Physicians completed a comprehensive review of research on the effects of pesticides on human health. Their report showed links to cancer, reproductive problems and neurological diseases, with children being particularly vulnerable to pesticides. As a result, we are being encouraged to limit our exposure to pesticides wherever possible.

In Ottawa...

Many residents are looking for a lawn care company whose products and services are organic or environmentally friendly. Unfortunately these terms are sometimes used indiscriminately. Despite their use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides, some lawn care companies claim to be organic or environmentally friendly. When choosing a company to care for a lawn, be open about your needs and concerns. Ask the following questions to gain a clear picture of a company's practices and ethics. Demand thorough and honest answers. If you don't get them from one company, try another. There are many to choose from.

Do you have a pesticide-free lawn care program?

This clear question cannot be misinterpreted. Demand a "yes" or "no" answer. Some companies offer both pre-set and customized programs that range from 100% pesticide-free to spot spraying weeds to broadcast spraying. Sign a mutually agreed upon contract with your company to guarantee pesticides will not be used on your property.

One area of confusion is the term "organic". Organic has two different meanings. Scientifically speaking, organic refers to a compound that contains carbon. The second meaning refers to a process of food cultivation without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, and is a well-established process in organic agriculture. This second definition is the one adopted by genuine organic lawn care companies. Some companies spray pesticides and claim to be organic because the lawn care chemicals they are using do contain carbon. This leads to confusion among consumers. Read brochures carefully and ask questions.

Do you assess a lawn for problems before applying pesticides?

Using a pest control product before determining whether there is a problem does more harm than good. The typical 4-times-a-year spray program is often unnecessary and a waste of your money. Organic lawn care companies focus on working with you to create and maintain a healthy lawn that is naturally pest-resistant.

How will your programs contribute to healthy soil?

Chemical lawn care companies focus on the plant, not the soil. If you are serious about organic lawn care, you must learn about your soil and restore its health. Unhealthy lawns are often the result of unhealthy soil. Find a company that believes healthy soil results in healthy plants.

What types of pesticides do you use?

Some companies claim the products that they use are organic because of carbon content not because they are non-toxic. If you want to avoid pesticides, ask your lawn care company for a definition of the term organic. A company that posts the familiar warning sign after a visit are using toxic chemicals as part of their program.

What types of fertilizers do you use?

Many adjectives are used to describe fertilizers: organic, organic based or chemical; liquid or granular, slow release or quick release. Organic lawn care companies use slow release organic fertilizers such as kelp (seaweed), rock dust and compost. These safe and natural products provide both macro and micronutrients while improving soil structure and biological activity.

Many lawn care companies use fast release chemical synthetic fertilizers in either liquid or granular form. These products release their nutrients quickly, creating excessive top (blade) growth at the expense of root development. This unbalanced growth weakens your lawn. Quick release fertilizers also leach away, along with your hard-earned money, without being used by grass plants. This effect is especially true of sandy soils. Unused nutrients pollute ground and surface water.

Do you provide advice about ongoing lawn maintenance?

Lawn maintenance without chemical pesticides and fertilizers requires knowledge. Regular maintenance is just as important as the occasional visits from your lawn care company. Companies committed to organic lawn care will provide you with information about beneficial cultural practices such as mowing high, correct watering and overseeding with hardy grass species.

Finally…

Read the small print. Some companies use innocent sounding terms like weed management instead of herbicide applications. Ask your company for a full explanation of any ambiguous words or statements. Reliable companies welcome questions and provide honest answers.