How “green” (eco-friendly) is your lawn? A truly healthy landscape is not measured by a weed-free, well-manicured lawn but by what lies beneath the surface (the condition of the soil) and the environment above the ground.
Many people use chemicals and pesticides to maintain a green, weed-free lawn, not considering that, although most lawn fertilizers will make your grass green, they ultimately may harm the soil and the environment. The chemicals found in lawn fertilizers can kill healthy insects, fungi and organisms, such as earthworms. Earthworms aid in aeration of the soil.
Pesticides not only kill the bad bugs, but also beneficial insects and other creatures, such as ladybugs, spiders and honeybees. All of these “healthy” bugs attract songbirds and other wildlife, which then promote a healthy ecosystem and environment.
Another serious result of using chemicals and pesticides on lawns is runoff. Runoff occurs when there is overwatering or excessive rain. This causes the chemicals, as well as phosphorus, to flow into storm drains and directly into our fresh water source.
Source: IndyStar.com – The Indianapolis Star – Going ‘green’ in landscaping