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How Safe is Your Lawncare?

Chemical lawn treatments have produced excellent looking lawns, but appearances are not everything. These products may contain high levels of phosphorous that can damage the environment. According to the Journal of Production Agriculture, run-off of phosphorous promotes algae growth in lakes. The treatments also contain fast release nitrogen fertilizers that have high concentrations of chemicals, requiring the 24-72 hour waiting period before stepping onto a treated lawn.

Potential problems from chemical products include run-off into water supplies, loss of landscaping such as shrubbery and flowers, neighbor and/or neighborhood objection to use of chemical treatments, and according to the Environmental Defense Fund, the chemicals have been linked to human illnesses and pet and bird deaths.

To combat these side effects, organic products and treatments have been developed. Chemical lawncare services began offering organic based programs over ten years ago and in 1988 the national lawncare service industry began using organic systems, due in part to consumer demand and environmental concern. These products contain low levels of phosphorous and have slow release nitrogen qualities.

However, Mark Miles, CEO of Greener Pastures and lawncare expert warns, "Many of these products are often not as safe or environmentally friendly as represented. They are disruptive to commercial and residential lawns for the simple facts that they carry a highly offensive odor and potentially harmful materials." Some of these traditional organic treatments are sewage based or use products of animal origin. They too are prone to run-off and take a long time to settle, creating a greater chance of these products being inhaled or digested by people and pets.

Companies like Greener Pastures have responded to these problems with chemical and organic lawn treatments by creating their own organic systems. Unlike many other organic lawn care systems, Greener Pastures does not use human or animal sewage or body parts in their products and lawn care. Each of their fertilizer products utilize soy, corn, and/or wheat meals. Their products are safe for pets, people, and the environment, and they smell pleasant as well.

With 18 years researching and developing core products, Greener Pastures has expanded its services to include organic pest controls for controlling fleas, termites, mosquitoes, spiders, cockroaches, and fire ants.

Greener Pastures has taken a unique approach to lawncare, yet an exceedingly smart and innovative one. "We provide 'worry-free' care and customer service," says Miles. "Also, Greener Pastures interacts with nature and does not interfere with the environmental cycle." All services are available for schools, commercial properties, restaurants, and home residences.

Lawncare services like those from Greener Pastures have become the choice of schools and daycare centers. Children are not exposed to unpleasant organic or harmful chemical treatments. The result is simply great looking lawns that are safe for these properties. Kevin Hildebrandt, Director of Buildings and Grounds for Fairbault Schools in Fairbault, Minnesota states, "The before and after pictures of the 18 acres that Greener Pastures have serviced proves that their totally organic products do work. Their products have surpassed my initial expectations and I do intend on utilizing them for years to come. Since using their products our turfs have improved 100 percent."

Homes benefit from not having to keep children and pets inside for 24-72 hours while the chemical dissipates. Commercial properties such as parks, golf courses, office buildings, apartment homes and retirement homes are ideal consumers for this type of organic lawn treatment. There are no illness causing chemicals or waste products, no sewage, and no waiting time. The services provided by Greener Pastures are very competitive with quality chemical services and they work faster and longer.

As much as homeowners long for that beautiful, green lawn, they should also weigh the possible health and safety factors by more closely evaluating their lawncare service or products. A terrific lawn does not have to cost a lot of money or compromise the health and safety of your family and pets. The grass may not only be greener on your side of the hill, but safer too.