Municipalities across Canada have either banned the use of pesticides and other chemicals for cosmetic use or -- like the City of Calgary -- are seriously considering such bans.Lawn chemicals, including fertilizers, are the main targets of this legislation, which aims to protect the health of people, particularly children, and pets and to address serious water quality concerns about runoff laden with fertilizers and herbicide residue.
Lush lawns are possible without chemical fertilizers and herbicides, however -- try these superior practices to keep your lawn soft and attractive:
- Aerate heavily used lawns each spring. Lesser-used lawns could be aerated every couple of years. Use an aerator that punches holes and leaves visible plugs. Spikey shoe accessories don't work.
- Once a year, rake over about a centimetre of well-rotted manure or compost. Adding compost gives the soil a shot of much needed organics. The texture of the soil is also improved from rock-hard clay to softer feel underfoot, something chemical fertilizers can't do.
- Keep lawns mowed high (five centimetres) to preserve moisture. The last mowing in fall should be shorter.
- Leave clippings on lawns. This reduces the need for additional nitrogen by 25 per cent. Lawn clippings do not lead to thatch buildup.
- Dig large weeds using a "dandelion" digger. New gadgets, such as weed torches or diggers assisted by water, are helpful for people with reduced mobility.
From the Calgary Herald
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