Think about children, pets and wildlife before using pesticides and fertilizers on the lawn. Excessive pesticide use may pollute streams, eliminate natural predators, encourage resistance to pesticides, and kill beneficial insects, earthworms and other organisms. Learn about and use non-toxic approaches to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals and fertilizers. Consider reducing the size of your lawn and landscaping with native plants instead.
You can have a healthier lawn naturally if you:• Mow lawn to three inches for strong roots, fewer weeds and less evaporation.
• Leave short grass clippings on the lawn as natural fertilizer.
• Pull weeds by hand.
• Aerate lawn every four years.
• Test soil pH and nutrient levels every three years or before applying fertilizer.
• Use a push mower. Gas mowers can pollute as much as a car. You’ll cut noise, save money and get more exercise.
If you must use fertilizers and pesticides, please:• Follow product directions carefully.
• Do not apply if rain is expected within 24 hours.
• Choose fertilizer that does not contain heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, nickel), as many do. Check
www.oda.state.or.us/fertilizer for fertilizer content.
See the Natural Gardening Guide and other helpful information at
www.metro-region.org
Use the Native Plant Finder at
www.cleanwaterservices.org/gonative to choose plants appropriate for your site.
