City of Takoma Park issued the following announcement on Oct. 8.
A growing body of evidence in the scientific literature shows that pesticide exposure can adversely affect neurological, respiratory, immune, and endocrine systems in humans, even at low levels. Children are especially sensitive to pesticide exposure. Fortunately, there are proven safe, effective, and affordable ways to maintain attractive lawns and playing fields without the use of toxic pesticides. Fall is the best time to start transitioning your lawn to organic. The key to a healthy lawn is healthy soil and good mowing, watering and fertilizing practices. Getting started:
1. Mow high until the season ends and then mow closely to enable you to carry out the practices that restore the lawn.
2. Have a soil test-- It is highly recommended that you analyze your soil. A soil test will tell how much nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and lime you need to grow healthy plants and grass. Contact your University Extension Program.
3. Aerate--If your lawn is hard, compacted and full of weeds, aerate to help air, water and fertilizer to enter. Get together with your neighbors and rent a machine or make sure your contractor aerates.
4. Fertilize Organically--Fertilizing in the fall assures good growth and root development. Your soil tests will tell you what you need. The goal is to use nonsynthetic products, like compost. Make compost at home or buy it. Look for organic slow release fertilizers at your nursery or on-line. Some are listed by the Organics Materials Review Institute (OMRI).
5. Overseed with Right Grass Seed --Talk to your local nursery about the best seed for your area. Check to see the weed content of the grass and that there are no pesticide coatings.
For more information, click on the following Beyond Pesticides publication: (1) Establishing a Sustainable Lawn or (2) Maintaining Your Organic or Natural Lawn.
Marilyn Bracken, PhD
Environmental and Energy Committee
Additional Info at Beyond Pesticides
Original source can be found here.
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