G.R.O.U.P.
(Get Rid of
Urban Pesticides)
How to go pesticide-free! And
Why!
GROUP members are people in Waterloo Region concerned
about the unnecessary use of pesticides on urban lawns. We provide informative
workshops on natural lawn care with take-home material and a choice of
appropriate videos. We also encourage the exchange of ideas among participants
on how to make your yard and community healthier and safer by going pesticide
-free.
Why worry about pesticides?
Pesticides include herbicides (weed-killers), insecticides (to kill insects), and fungicides. They are often included in combination with fertilizer (weed ‘n feed type products).
All pesticides in Canada have to be registered with the federal government, but this does not necessarily mean that they are safe. Pesticides can drift into neighbouring yards and leach into our groundwater system. The full and synergistic effects of using different pesticides over a long period of time are still unknown, but many scientific studies are finding links between pesticide use and human and animal health problems (eg. non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Parkinson’s disease in humans).
A 1998 technical report on pesticides to the Toronto
Board of Health found that young children, the elderly and unborn babies are
particularly at risk.
95% of
the pesticides used on residential lawns are considered possible or probable
carcinogens by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Pets at risk! The
U.S. National Cancer Institute found that dog owners who reported higher lawn
pesticide use also reported a higher number of dogs with malignant canine
lymphoma (a type of cancer similar to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in humans.)
Lawns in Transition:
If
you have been using pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides or
“weed’n’feed type product) regularly on your lawn, it can take up to 5 years to
restore a 
natural, ecological
balance. This balance includes microbial-rich soil, plenty of earthworms to
naturally aerate the soil, lots of organic material and a diverse species of
grasses, broad-leaf plants, insects and animals. The ideal garden will be a
mini natural habitat - an environment that is welcoming to wildlife such as
birds and bees, provides healthy, organic food for you and space to play and
relax.
To achieve a healthy
pesticide-free lawn:
1. Aim for a healthy lawn, not a perfect one.
2. Hand-weed or allow some weeds to mix in with
your grass. Many “common weeds” like dandelions are edible and nutritious.
3. Tolerate some insects; most do not harm our
lawns. In fact, over 90% of insects in a lawn and garden are beneficial.
Healthy turf and soil can sustain up to 20 grubs per square foot without
damage.
4. Work with nature rather than against it. Many
municipalities across Canada, including Kitchener and Waterloo, have virtually
eliminated the cosmetic or landscape use of pesticides by using sustainable
methods. These easy-to-learn practices have the dual benefit of creating
healthy soil conditions that resists pests and a healthier environment for you
and your family and pets.
The Basics:
1. Mow High!
This is the most important thing you can do! Longer
grass grows deeper roots, holds more moisture and inhibits weeds. Cut the grass
to about three inches high. Keep your lawn mower blades sharp. Avoid cutting
during severe drought; mowing when the grass is stressed can severely damage
your lawn.
2. Leave Clippings On The Lawn!
Nitrogen-rich fertilizers can make the lawn more
susceptible to fungus disease and insect pests. Use grass clippings instead.
Grass clippings fertilize the lawn as they’re broken down by earthworms and
other soil organisms. They also help conserve moisture and keep your lawn cool.
A Note about Thatch: Thatch is a build-up of organic material that occurs when there is
insufficient microbial life to break it down. In transition, you may have to
aerate in the fall to break up thatch to encourage root growth, drainage and
air circulation.
3.
Overseed and topdress with compost!
Keep your lawn thick and full by scattering grass seed
in early spring (unless you’re using corn meal gluten) or late summer/early
fall (avoid seeding in hot weather). Keeping the turf thick will help your lawn
withstand droughts and prevents weeds from taking over. Grubs are especially
fond of Kentucky Blue Grass so planting a mix of different types of seeds
(perennial rye, red fescues) will help limit their activity. Spreading a light
layer of compost on your lawn will also improve the soil and encourage earthworms.
Compost is made from organic materials like cow manure, food scraps (vegetable
peelings, apple cores etc) and yard waste (leaves, plants). It can be purchased
locally or made in your backyard.
Compost and grass clippings should provide enough nutrients
for most lawns.
4. If you have to water – Water Deeply and Less Often.
This encourages grass roots to grow deeper resulting
in thicker turf that will help crowd out weeds. An inch of water once a week is
enough (place empty can on lawn and water with sprinkler until can has 1 inch
of water in bottom). A healthy,
established lawn may not need to be watered at all! Once established and deep rooted, grass naturally goes dormant
and may turn brown during hot, dry periods. It will revive and turn green again
once it rains and the weather becomes cooler.
A
note about our Water: Waterloo Region
gets 75% of its water from a series of deep wells linked to an underground
source called an aquifer. We all have the responsibility to help protect our
water. Avoiding pesticides and fertilizers is a big step toward keeping our
water supply clean and safe to drink. Reducing our lawn watering also makes a huge difference in water reserves.
High-nitrogen fertilizers and pesticide use increase the amount of water your
lawn needs
5. Be Patient
There will probably be setbacks in your transition to
pesticide-free – a lawn is an evolving ecosystem and will constantly strive to
become a meadow. Any bare or damaged areas just need to be overseeded, topdressed
and watered until well established (about 1 inch high).
.If
You Have The Time:
You can also:
1. Dethatch
A lawn in transition may have thatch
that prevents moisture and nutrients from reaching the grass roots. Rake up
dead material and compost it.
2. Apply Corn Gluten Meal In The Spring
Corn Gluten Meal has been shown to
suppress weed seed germination so MUST NOT be used when overseeding grass seed.
Apply at 20 – 25 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Can be applied again in six
weeks. High microbial activity in soil inhibits its effect.
3. Monitor For Grub Damage
Overseed and topdress damaged spots or
apply appropriate nematodes before damage is extensive.
4. Aerate
If you have heavy clay soil, high traffic areas or compacted AND
ONLY IN THE FALL when weeds are not going to seed. Good to do when you’re
overseeding and topdressing.
5. Fertilize in the Fall
With a natural source NOT synthetic,
chemical fertilizer. Natural source fertilizers do not require fossil fuel
products to produce them, will not cause burning and contain multiple
nutrients.
6. Tolerate a Few Weeds and/or Pull Them By Hand
Many weeds are wildflowers and edible
(dandelions for example) and biodiversity is nature’s way.
Trouble-shooting
GRUBS
White grub larvae feed on grass roots
that wilt and turn brown. An over-abundance of grubs also attract raccoons and
skunks looking for a meal. Prevention
is the key by applying the above lawn maintenance practices. In the event of
damage, replace the raised sod (like a golfing divot!). If damage is excessive,
lift off damaged area, reseed, topdress and water until new grass is firmly
established (approx. 1 inch high). As a last resort, beneficial nematodes can
be used. See your local retailer for information. Beneficial nematodes are
microscopic creatures that feed off white grub larvae and are harmless to
humans and pets. See
PLANTS IN CRACKS OF SIDEWALKS/BRICKWORK/PATHS:
A solution of vinegar and water
spritzed on the weeds will kill them. Avoid spraying anything green you don't
want killed.
APHIDS
Hose off with a strong stream of
water, encourage ladybugs or for severe infestation remove affected plant or
spray with soapy water until under control.
MOSQUITOES
Remove source of standing water or add
goldfish (eg to rain barrel). Wear tight cuffed clothes, add few drops of anise
oil to laundry rinse.
SLUGS, SNAILS,
EARWIGS
A dish of stale beer in garden will
attract them and they'll drown.
TENT CATERPILLARS
Pick off larvae by hand when they cluster
together in the evening or cut off affected branch.
CINCH BUGS
Dry, sunny lawns, overly fertilized
and treated attract cinch bugs. Include
perennial rye and fescues grass seed which naturally repel cinch bugs.
HEALTHY SOIL = HEALTHY LAWN
Think about what happens beneath the ground and not
just what grows on top. Soil nurtures plant life. It is alive with beneficial
organisms, such as earthworms, fungi and insects, many of which are killed
by pesticides. In urban areas most soil has been removed or disturbed
adding to the problem of maintaining a healthy lawn. While it may be tempting
to reach for the quick fix of pesticides and fertilizers, they deal with the
symptom and not the problem. Healthy soil is best achieved by using lawn care
practices that encourage the activity of earthworms (natural aerators!) and
other soil organisms.
Other landscaping ideas:
Many gardeners are looking for low-maintenance
alternatives to lawns. A variety of plantings adds diversity to the garden and
provides homes for both birds and butterflies.
Some options include:
-
Native plant gardens.
Native plants have evolved to thrive in local conditions. This means easier
care, less water and fewer pests
-
Shrub and vine borders
-
Ground covers and herb
gardens
-
Ponds and bog gardens which
also attract beneficial frogs and toads to your garden
-
Woodland gardens are a real
treat under large trees
-
Prairie gardens -
drought-resistant native grasses and flowering plants
-
Bird and butterfly gardens
-
Use a manual or electric
mower to reduce the polluting effects of gas mowers
This information was produced by the Guelph Environment Network in partnership with the City of Guelph and supplemented by GROUP, Kitchener and The Alternatives to Pesticides Team, Waterloo.
Free Workshops
Contact: Susan Koswan, 578-8508 or dandelion@gto.net
Ask us about the annual Dandelion Festival!