Organic Yard Care Methods
Organic Yard Care
Many of us would love to enjoy a healthy, productive and attractive lawn. However, it is common practice to use fertilizers and pesticides as a means of reaching our dream of the perfect yard. According to the EPA, nearly 400 million lbs. of chemical pesticides are used on residential lawns each year, most of which eventually makes its way into local watersheds.
Chemicals deplete the health of soil by killing beneficial organisms and leaving behind toxic residues. This begins the cycle of chemical dependence leading to more pollution, costs and lack of biodiversity. If this cycle continues, you may never be able to fully enjoy your yard. Luckily there are ways to reverse this cycle, or begin a new one through organic practices.
WHY ORGANIC?
1. FOR HUMAN AND PET HEALTH
Conventional chemical pesticides and fertilizers have been linked to cancer, reproductive and neurological damage. Organic fertilizers and pest control products are mostly derived from plants, animal waste, and naturally derived minerals from water and soil.
2. FOR SOIL HEALTH
As mentioned above, applying chemicals to your lawn can kill soil organisms in just one dose. Microorganisms build the soil and keep it alive and healthy. They help convert inactive minerals and water into the building blocks of life, reduce soil erosion and compaction, reduce soil borne disease and break down soil pollution among others. Soil life can be rejuvenated by adding live compost to it. Compost corrects many soil imbalances, which will ultimately eliminate the need for chemical use.
3. FOR WILDLIFE HEALTH
Many recent studies have correlated the use of garden chemicals to a decline in the health of birds, aquatic life and land animals. Many of these garden chemicals are not only proven to have an immediate adverse impact on wildlife, but additionally, these chemicals are gradually magnified as they move up the food chain. Larger animals that consume smaller animals, which have been exposed to chemicals, end up consuming more and more harmful chemicals than the smaller. This is known as bioaccumulation. Scientific studies have shown that organic farms and gardens support a greater number and diversity of wild creatures than most conventionally managed farmland and residence. By planting more native shrubs, trees and perennials, one can help to attract more wildlife to their gardens.
4. FOR INSECT HEALTH
