To the Editor:  

Well, spring is officially here! Many of us want to get our lawns off to a good start.

What does that endeavor involve? We may thatch our lawns, rake up the winter debris, or put on new topsoil, darn that erosion! Just like us, in order to grow well, grass needs nutrition, which helps plants to make their own food.

Many of us realize grass will grow well if it has a good root base, rich enough soil to grow in, and enough macro- and micro-nutrients. These nutrients are naturally available in a lawn that is left at a height of at least 3 inches tall, mown with a mulching lawn mower, periodically watered to a 6-inch depth, and receiving adequate organic matter.

When a lawn is watered early in the morning, with a rich enough soil, the water will be absorbed by the root base and the water-holding capacity will be aided with the additional organic material. The soil microorganisms in the organic matter aid in the absorption of those nutrients into the grass, flowers, vegetables, whatever you are growing. A healthy soil ecosystem is what keeps us growing green.

It seems many feel their lawn is not looking as good as it “should.” People seek out assistance from lawn-care companies.

Consultation and guidance is sought out to gain the perfect lawn. That consultation may offer the need for fertilizer/herbicide/pesticides to discourage insects, crabgrass, and other undesirable green growth.

How much do we know what the effects of these applications have on lawn, soil, water, air, animals, and our  families? I did some research into a popular lawn application. This is one example, there are many more.

A  fertilizer/pre-emergent herbicide Lesco Dimension is frequently applied. I looked up this product name on the computer and read the label. It is applied in granular/pellet form, which is coated by a polymer to aid in slow release of the fertilizer and herbicide. The fertilizer is to feed the plants and the herbicide to stop the growth of those undesirable plants.

After reading further I wondered, are consumers aware of the “caution” notice on this  product label? The following is a summation of the cautions:  

— If swallowed — call poison-control center immediately for treatment advice;  

— If product on skin or clothes — rinse immediately with water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Call poison-control center;  

— Hazardous to humans and domestic animals;  

— Causes eye irritation;  

— Harmful if inhaled;  

— Avoid contact with the eyes and/or clothing;  

— Avoid breathing dust, wear protective eyewear;  

— Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling;  

— Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Environmental hazards:  

— This product is toxic to fish and highly toxic to other aquatic organisms, including shellfish and shrimp. Use care when applying to turf areas next to any body of water. Drift and runoff may negatively affect fish and  other aquatic organisms; 

— Do not apply to areas where surface water is nearby;

— Do not apply when weather conditions will encourage drift from treated areas;

— Do not contaminate water when disposing of used equipment.

Following up with further research about lawn care, I read the latest Consumer Reports magazine. It listed a May 2021 article by Catherine Roberts, titled, A Lush Lawn Without Pesticides.” She offers research showing  repeatedly that lawn-care treatments are harming our families’ health, the beneficial organisms in the soil, and our whole ecosystem.

They revealed how these synthetic lawn treatments, marked by the yellow signs posted on so many lawns, may be helpful short-term but the long-term damage is real. Roberts states that lawn chemicals pose short- and long-term health hazards.

Lawn chemicals do not just disappear; they get tracked into our homes, eaten by animals, and get on our pets. If there are adverse effects on the organisms around us, be aware of the negative effect it has on the soil ecosystem. Let’s not forget about those soil microorganisms and organic matter that keeps green growth and maintains our ecosystems.  

Our lawns are where our children play, birds eat, we garden, soil organisms try to survive. What are the long-term effects on our families, pets, birds, beneficial insects, and lawn ecosystem?

When it rains, these applications seep into our soils; run off into our storm sewers; and move into our reservoirs, streams, and lakes. These are exactly  what the warning on the product label is telling us to be aware of, caution for.

Is this what makes our lawns look good? Do we ask questions about all these concerns? Are we putting time into researching and understanding alternatives to this method of lawn care?

Any horticulturist or turf grass specialist should know other choices. We need to ask questions and educate ourselves for the health of our families, neighborhood, and ecosystem. If we keep our soils and grounds healthy and plant grasses and if we garden with plants appropriate to our climate zone, we can reduce the necessity for chemical lawn treatments.

There are many choices to keep those insects at bay and our lawns  looking good: 

— 1. Check your soil for its organic material — increasing microorganisms, benefitting water holding capacity, helping plants attain their nutrients;  

— 2. Select grass and plant varieties appropriate for our climate zone; 

— 3. Aerate your soil in spring;  

— 4. Water in the morning before 10 a.m., to a depth of about 6 inches; do so infrequently;

— 5. Try to mow no lower than 3 inches;  

— 6. If insects invade, look into choices of beneficial nematodes, neem oil, cedar-oil spray, milky spores, and diatomaceous earth for grubs.

Encourage your lawn-care company to use non-toxic choices. Learn what they are. Companies are looking to satisfy what you want for your lawn and family.

We have been learning many new things about the “greening” of our reservoirs, reduction of beneficial species in our ecosystems because of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Refer to the May 2021 Consumer Reports magazine for additional guidance with lawn care.

Choices about our lawn-care will be shown in the long-term health of our yards and less necessity for those toxic treatments. This is our home; let’s be proud/, knowledgeable consumers, and work toward keeping us all healthier. 

Susan Mosher

Guilderland