Pesticides and Playing Fields
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/lawn/factsheets/PesticideandPlayingFieldsltrhead.pdf
Myth 1: Organic turf management puts fields “at risk”
Opponents, or uninformed turf managers, claim that organic management will put the fields
at risk for disease and weed infestation, however, in a Cornell University study of turf,
chemically maintained turf is more susceptible to disease. The reason was found to be very
low organic matter content and depleted soil microorganisms.
Myth 2: Organic athletic fields are not “safe” and cause more injuries
This myth often preserves dandelions and tufts of plants that children may trip on. But organic
practices can ensure control of unwanted plants in the turf. Moreover, these injury claims are
not substantiated. The safety of a field is not dependent on whether there is an organic versus
chemical-based maintenance program, any turf that has an irregular surface can lead to falls or
twisted ankles. In fact, chemical turf is generally hard and compacted because there is not
much soil biology (life in the soil). Organic management focuses on cultural practices, such as
aeration, that alleviates compaction and provides a softer, better playing surface.
Myth 3: Organic fields always have clover problems
Excess clover is an indicator of the soil condition. Clover is found in fields with low nitrogen
levels, compaction issues, and drought stress. It is an issue in large patches because it can be
slippery when wet. However, clover is a beneficial plant that “fixes,” or transforms, free
nitrogen from the atmosphere into the turfgrass. Clover roots are extensive and provide
significant resources to soil organisms, and it is extremely drought resistant, staying green
long after turf goes dormant.
Myth 4: Organic turf management is prohibitively expensive
This is another unsubstantiated, anecdotal statement by many naysayers, but when asked for
hard and fast budget numbers to prove these claims, they aren’t available. Most municipalities
do not have accurate figures on the costs of their chemical programs. The question really is -
What is the cost of NOT going organic? What is the cost of exposing developing children to
known cancer causing, endocrine disrupting, and asthma triggering chemicals where they
play for long hours?
Myth 5: Organic fields need to be rested
Once again, this is not a chemical versus organically-managed field issue. All fields ideally
should be rested for recuperative growth. Athletic activity naturally tears up turf from the soil,
especially football, leaving open areas for opportunistic weeds to grow. Prepping the area and
spreading a repair mixture of compost and seed that quickly establishes as soon as possible
will fill in the area and negate the need for herbicides down the road.
Myth 1: Organic turf management puts fields “at risk”
Opponents, or uninformed turf managers, claim that organic management will put the fields
at risk for disease and weed infestation, however, in a Cornell University study of turf,
chemically maintained turf is more susceptible to disease. The reason was found to be very
low organic matter content and depleted soil microorganisms.
Myth 2: Organic athletic fields are not “safe” and cause more injuries
This myth often preserves dandelions and tufts of plants that children may trip on. But organic
practices can ensure control of unwanted plants in the turf. Moreover, these injury claims are
not substantiated. The safety of a field is not dependent on whether there is an organic versus
chemical-based maintenance program, any turf that has an irregular surface can lead to falls or
twisted ankles. In fact, chemical turf is generally hard and compacted because there is not
much soil biology (life in the soil). Organic management focuses on cultural practices, such as
aeration, that alleviates compaction and provides a softer, better playing surface.
Myth 3: Organic fields always have clover problems
Excess clover is an indicator of the soil condition. Clover is found in fields with low nitrogen
levels, compaction issues, and drought stress. It is an issue in large patches because it can be
slippery when wet. However, clover is a beneficial plant that “fixes,” or transforms, free
nitrogen from the atmosphere into the turfgrass. Clover roots are extensive and provide
significant resources to soil organisms, and it is extremely drought resistant, staying green
long after turf goes dormant.
Myth 4: Organic turf management is prohibitively expensive
This is another unsubstantiated, anecdotal statement by many naysayers, but when asked for
hard and fast budget numbers to prove these claims, they aren’t available. Most municipalities
do not have accurate figures on the costs of their chemical programs. The question really is -
What is the cost of NOT going organic? What is the cost of exposing developing children to
known cancer causing, endocrine disrupting, and asthma triggering chemicals where they
play for long hours?
Myth 5: Organic fields need to be rested
Once again, this is not a chemical versus organically-managed field issue. All fields ideally
should be rested for recuperative growth. Athletic activity naturally tears up turf from the soil,
especially football, leaving open areas for opportunistic weeds to grow. Prepping the area and
spreading a repair mixture of compost and seed that quickly establishes as soon as possible
will fill in the area and negate the need for herbicides down the road.
Eco Lawn Care Guide from SWANCC
Gas-Powered Lawn Maintenance Equipment
Garden equipment engines emit high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides, producing up to 5% of the nation's air pollution and a good deal more in metropolitan areas.
One gas mower sends 87 pounds of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and 54 pounds of other pollutants into the air every year.
One gas mower running for an hour emits the same amount of pollutants as eight new cars driving 55 mph for the same amount of time, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Over 17 million gallons of gas are spilled each year refueling lawn and garden equipment; more oil than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez.
Americans burn 800 million gallons of gas each year trimming their grassy yards, according to the EPA.
Gas-powered lawn equipment used during the hot summer months contributes to ground level ozone when it is the highest, which causes problems for asthmatics and aggravates other respiratory conditions.
(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
If just 20% of US homeowners switched to electric mowers, 84,000 fewer tons of carbon monoxide would be emitted into the air each year, saving the average user 73% in total energy costs. (Source: www.greenseal.org/resources/reports/CGR_carpet.pdf)
Lawn Treatment
Three million tons of fertilizers are used on lawns annually.
If grass clippings were left on lawns, we would need 50% less fertilizer.
30 thousand tons of synthetic pesticides are used on lawns annually.
The average homeowner uses ten times more pesticides per acre than the average farmer.
Of the 32 pesticides routinely used by a major lawn service company:
http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/thegreengrok/lawns)
Lawn Leaf collection
If Park Ridge residents composted even a portion of the leaves from their yards, the cost for pickup could be significantly lower, benefiting taxpayers and increasing the amount of compost that can be used in place of fertilizers.
Garden equipment engines emit high levels of carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides, producing up to 5% of the nation's air pollution and a good deal more in metropolitan areas.
One gas mower sends 87 pounds of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and 54 pounds of other pollutants into the air every year.
One gas mower running for an hour emits the same amount of pollutants as eight new cars driving 55 mph for the same amount of time, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Over 17 million gallons of gas are spilled each year refueling lawn and garden equipment; more oil than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez.
Americans burn 800 million gallons of gas each year trimming their grassy yards, according to the EPA.
Gas-powered lawn equipment used during the hot summer months contributes to ground level ozone when it is the highest, which causes problems for asthmatics and aggravates other respiratory conditions.
(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
If just 20% of US homeowners switched to electric mowers, 84,000 fewer tons of carbon monoxide would be emitted into the air each year, saving the average user 73% in total energy costs. (Source: www.greenseal.org/resources/reports/CGR_carpet.pdf)
Lawn Treatment
Three million tons of fertilizers are used on lawns annually.
If grass clippings were left on lawns, we would need 50% less fertilizer.
30 thousand tons of synthetic pesticides are used on lawns annually.
The average homeowner uses ten times more pesticides per acre than the average farmer.
Of the 32 pesticides routinely used by a major lawn service company:
- 13% are known or suspected endocrine disrupters
- 22% are known or suspected reproductive toxins
- 41% include ingredients that are banned or restricted in other countries
- 53% include possible carcinogens
- 100% pose a threat to the environment, including water supplies, aquatic organisms, and non-targeted insects.
http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/thegreengrok/lawns)
Lawn Leaf collection
If Park Ridge residents composted even a portion of the leaves from their yards, the cost for pickup could be significantly lower, benefiting taxpayers and increasing the amount of compost that can be used in place of fertilizers.
Sustainable Lawns
Growing a Beautiful Lawn More Sustainably
The following techniques and recommendations will help either the do-it-yourselfer or your lawn service maintain a healthy lawn in a way that reduces greenhouse gases and decreases water usage and reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. When working with a lawn care service let them know in advance what your expectations are in the use of chemicals and equipment. Depending on the health of your lawn, some amendments may not be needed as frequently as your lawn service provides. Over-application of fertilizers and pesticides can be detrimental to the environment, your pets and family, as well as a waste of money. Don’t be shy about asking whether a treatment is really needed.
Mowing
Collection, transporting, and disposing of leaves is COSTLY, when they can instead be used to recycle nutrients back into your yard.
Composted kitchen and yard waste make excellent fertilizers for both your lawn and gardens, and reduces your need for commercial fertilizers. Ask your lawn service if they can build a compost bin, and have them deposit all lawn and garden waste into it.
The following techniques and recommendations will help either the do-it-yourselfer or your lawn service maintain a healthy lawn in a way that reduces greenhouse gases and decreases water usage and reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. When working with a lawn care service let them know in advance what your expectations are in the use of chemicals and equipment. Depending on the health of your lawn, some amendments may not be needed as frequently as your lawn service provides. Over-application of fertilizers and pesticides can be detrimental to the environment, your pets and family, as well as a waste of money. Don’t be shy about asking whether a treatment is really needed.
Mowing
- Ask your lawn service if they can use electric or alternative fuels (propane or biodiesel) equipment. Some companies will use your electric mower in lieu of their own equipment.
- Ask your lawn service to cut with a mulching mower. Instead of collecting clippings, a mulching mower deposits finely chopped clippings on your lawn, recycling nutrients back into the lawn and reducing the need for additional feeding (and leaf collection).
- Ask your lawn service to add excess clippings to your compost pile. In spring and fall, when grass grows faster, there may be too much to leave on the lawn. Collect the clippings and compost them.
- Cut your grass a little higher in dry weather to withstand drought. Be sure your lawn service does not cut the lawn shorter than 3 inches, and ask them to skip a week if it has been very dry with little growth in your lawn. Ask them to decrease mowing frequency in the fall, after grass growth has slowed.
- Feeding is not an annual necessity. If your lawn is healthy, feeding only encourages more grass growth and more mowing. If needed apply organic fertilizers in early spring.
- Treatment for grubs is not necessary if they are not a problem. If they are present, ask your lawn service to use organic remedies.
- De-thatch with a rake in early fall and reseed bare patches.
- Aerating is best performed in early fall once every 3 years on healthy lawns. Top dressing should be done after aeration. Fine leaf mold or garden compost mixed with loam and sand make a good mix for the clay soils found in our area.
- Hand-pull weeds. Mowing grass too short makes your lawn more susceptible to weeds.
Collection, transporting, and disposing of leaves is COSTLY, when they can instead be used to recycle nutrients back into your yard.
- Leaves make excellent insulation for over-wintering your garden and add nutrients back into the beds. Ask your lawn service to place the leaves over your flowerbeds and around cold-sensitive plants and bushes.
- You can reduce the volume of leaf waste to 1/10 by shredding the leaves with a mulching mower. Ask your lawn service rake the leaves into a less maintained area of your yard and mow over them. The remaining leaf mulch can be composted or used as winter mulch.
- Ground wood mulch can be obtained for free from the Village of Wilmette Public Works yard. If you have new construction and need mulch to protect trees or new landscape projects, ask your contractor to use the free mulch and save money.
Composted kitchen and yard waste make excellent fertilizers for both your lawn and gardens, and reduces your need for commercial fertilizers. Ask your lawn service if they can build a compost bin, and have them deposit all lawn and garden waste into it.
