Are there alternatives to using pesticides to prevent problems with weeds and insects?
A. Yes, the best way to eliminate the need for pesticides is to keep your lawn healthy. There are a number of ways to do this: • Topdress your lawn once or twice a year with 5 mm (1/4 inch) of compost, topsoil or compost manure; • Mow High dont cut grass shorter than 90 mm (3 inches) in order to let the grass blades shade weeds and increase lawn thickness; • Water Less only 25 mm (1 inch) per week is needed to keep your lawn green throughout the summer. Water in the morning to allow moisture to be absorbed; • Overseed any bare spots with hardy grass seeds; • Replace grass with shrubs, trees, perennials, ground cover and wild flowers. Native plants and flowers are good choices because they are adapted to grow well in our climate and soils without excessive watering and fertilizer. Source: The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup.
