Pesticides. They’ve been around for a long time. People have used pesticides before 2000 BCE. In ancient Mesopotamia, about 4,500 years ago, crops were protected and dusted with sulfur fungicide. Toxic chemicals, such as arsenic, mercury, and lead became the norm by the 15th century.
Non-essential or “cosmetic” pesticides (herbicides) came much later in the 1950s as a means to rid lawns and gardens of pests and to create an aesthetic appeal. Canadian provinces have banned cosmetic pesticide to restrict the use of some pesticides. These restrictions may include, for example, requiring special permits before pesticide use, restrictions on how they may be used, and regulating the transportation, sale, use, storage, and disposal of pesticides.
Concerns and risks relating to pesticides
Most homeowners apply pesticides themselves or hire lawn maintenance companies to do so. Many of these companies now apply organic treatments that are pesticide-free. Yet, there is a real concern not only from Health Canada but the Canadian Cancer Society and some medical professionals, who feel that there could be adverse health effects from pesticide use. The Canadian government’s compliance to restrict their use serves as a precaution. Implementing a ban acknowledges that these non-essential pesticides are just that – a risk that shouldn’t be taken.
There is no denying that pesticides are beneficial in controlling disease causing pests. However, they can also pose a threat to the environment, animals and humans. Pesticides must be registered with Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) before being imported, manufactured, sold, or used in this country. This Agency also has maximum residue limits, the amount of pesticides left on or around treated areas that must meet with the Federal Food and Drug Act stipulations.
Safer products are registered for use on lawns, trees and flowers. These products have been through rigorous testing, ensuring that they are both safe and effective. The use of natural products requires forethought and planning with pest prevention being the key objective. Acting early for prevention is the best means for control. Waiting for weeds to show up and flowering is too late.
Creating that perfect garden
So, how does one create that perfect lawn in the most natural way possible, free of weeds and pesticides? Like all things, it starts at the beginning, before planting the lawn. Lawns need a good soil base, at least six inches of quality soil, a base free of large rocks, tree stumps, or other hindrances to water movement – a healthy root system established from the beginning. Other things to consider include:
- Proper mowing techniques: a height of at least two to three inches along with frequent mowing. Always leave clippings on the lawn to serve as a natural fertilizer.
- Water only when required: a single heavy watering once a week to encourage deeper roots.
- Hand weeding: it aids in reducing weed numbers and is more easily done in the spring with the soft ground or after a heavy rain when the whole plant can be extracted. Dandelions, especially pulled in the spring, have low root reserves and don’t regrow. There are some efficient hand–held weed pullers on the market that are options.
Other remedies, such as reducing soil compaction, monitoring the PH level (home test kits are available at most garden centers), aeration, and organic fertilizer, are all vital components of maintaining a healthy lawn.
People should learn how to care for their lawns and gardens. This involves researching products for best use and looking for products that are eco-friendly. Look for the alternatives available.
Some bans on pesticides and the use of natural methods for lawn maintenance are important to protect the environment, animals and humans that call this planet home.