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These products may damage soil and lawn health and pollute our waterways. Some studies also suggest that use of pesticides may harm our health.
1. Weed and feed is overkill.
When you use weed and feed products on your lawn, you're spreading both weed killers and fertilizer. Think about it: you're putting herbicides on every inch of your lawn, even if you only have a few dandelions. Many professional landscapers don't like weed and feed products because they waste money by using chemicals where they aren't needed.
2. Weed and feed may harm streams and lakes.
Scientists doing water quality testing commonly find the three weed killers in most weed-and-feed products (2,4-D, MCPP and dicamba) in Puget Sound area streams. Even if you don't live near the water, pesticides from your yard could travel through storm drains-untreated-to the nearest stream, lake or Puget Sound. Quick-release fertilizers, commonly used in most weed and feed products, apply a quick and heavy dose of nutrients to the lawn, and are more likely to wash off into local lakes. This increases algae growth in lakes and reduces oxygen levels, killing fish and other organisms.
3. Pesticides may not be so great for you and your kids.
Children are at high risk from pesticide exposure. They are more likely to be exposed, and they are especially sensitive to toxic chemicals. Some medical studies have found an increased risk of cancer and other health problems from the use of yard and garden pesticides. In a science journal review of 98 health studies related to the use of herbicides and other pesticides, half the studies found an increased cancer risk.
4. Pesticides and quick-release fertilizers may damage your lawn.
Healthy lawns grow on healthy soil. Earthworms and other soil organisms keep the soil healthy. By moving through the soil, they allow water and air to penetrate, and they recycle thatch back into nutrients that the grass can use. Overuse of pesticides and quick-release fertilizers can seriously harm the health of your soil and increase lawn disease. This makes it much harder to grow a green lawn without relying on chemicals.
How to have a healthy lawn without chemicals
Healthy lawns naturally resist pests and disease
Crowd out weeds and reduce post damage by promoting a healthy, vigorous lawn through proper fertilization, irrigation, and mowing. Improve thin areas with aeration and overseeding. A healthy turf will need far fewer pesticides.
Accept a few "weeds" in your lawn
Some, like clover, may look fine. Target the problem weeds, leave the others.
Pull, don't spray
Remove problem weeds by hand in the spring and fall. Don't cover your entire lawn with weed and feed just to kill a few dandelions. Pincer-type long handled weed pullers are available at many garden stores. They work well in moist soil, with no stooping. Pull dandelions when they're young (for best results get as much root as possible). Or spot-spray problem weeds with the proper herbicide at the right time of year. Identify the weed to make sure you are using the correct product.
Read the label carefully before using any pesticide (including weed and feed)
Be sure to follow all label warnings, wear proper protective clothing, and keep children and pets off the lawn for at least as long as the label specifies. Call the Hazards Line for information on safe disposal of leftover pesticides: (206) 296-4692 (V); 711 (TTY). Out of the local calling area, the toll free number is 1-888-TOXIC-ED (1-888-869-4233) (V); 711 (TTY).
What about the crane fly?
European crane flies can be a problem on wet lawns. Crane fly larvae feed on grass roots and crowns in fall, warm winters, and early spring. Many larvae are eaten by birds in fall and winter. This can bring populations below damaging levels.You cannot control crane flies by applying pesticides in the late spring or summer.
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