By Pat Dray
The Garden Spot
Pat Dray
As I walk through my neighborhood, I am seeing many bright yellow objects. Unfortunately, they are not dandelions. Instead, they are signs that say “Caution: Pesticide Application” and should be left in place for 24 hours.
Connecticut has had a ban on all US EPA registered lawn care pesticides on the grounds of day care centers and elementary and middle schools since 2009. That ban includes fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. It does make me wonder what pests the homeowner feels the need to eliminate while their children and pets play on the lawn.
According to the Audubon Society, Americans use approximately 70 million pounds of pesticides to maintain their lawns, mainly for aesthetic purposes. Birds are especially susceptible to pesticides. Audubon estimates that 7 million wild birds are killed annually because of homeowner usage.
Pesticides also run off into the watershed. The US Geological Survey found that at least two pesticides were in every stream that they sampled, and one or more pesticides in every fish sample.
All this for a “pest-free” lawn.
Let’s start with defining a pesticide. The EPA defines a pesticide as “any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest” and also “any substance…intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant.” Most pesticides are broad spectrum, designed to address multiple concerns. A solution in search of a problem?
Many of these turf “problems” can be addressed by use of local treatment. The first question to ask is “Is this the right grass for this area?” You will never have a verdant, lush turf lawn in a shady, wet area with clay soil, so no amount of fertilizer or pesticide will correct that.
Are you watering properly? Use of sprinkler systems for an hour a day only encourages shallow root growth, which leads to insect and disease issues. Water the lawn with one inch of water once a week (put out an empty tuna can in the sprinkler zone to measure this) for deeper root growth. Hand-pull any weeds that you see before they go to seed. A healthy lawn will not be conducive to undesirable insects and weeds.
Overfertilizing lawns can damage the roots of the turf and leave the lawn brown and patchy. Fertilization is most important when the lawn is growing more roots than blades, which in the Northeast is usually in the fall. If you absolutely need to feed more than once a year, early spring and late fall are best. Proper mowing is also key. Grass should be four to five inches tall before mowing. Mow down to only to less than three inches. If you use a lawn service, have them mow only when needed, not on the common (and costly) weekly schedule. Your lawn may not need any mowing in a hot, dry August.
If you are concerned about pesticide usage in your neighborhood, you can register your property with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for pre-notification of pesticide applications to an abutting property. This registry is meant to give homeowners time to take measures to avoid exposure if pesticides are applied commercially to an abutting property by requiring a 24-hour pre-notification.
Pat Dray is a past president of the Garden Club of Orange and a master gardener.