LAWN CARE WITHOUT TOXIC CHEMICALS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Develop Healthy Soil
Leave grass clippings on your lawn to return nutrients. Aerate compacted soils.

Choose Appropriate Grasses
Call your local Rutgers Extension Service
for information. (see below)

Mow High, Set Blade at 3-4"
Taller grass helps to choke out weeds. Keep mower blades sharp. Consider alternatives to grass such as ferns, myrtle, pachysandra.

Water Deeply But Not Often
Water only when really necessary in order to reduce fungus and other diseases. Drought distressed dormant spots will green up with rain. If possible, water between midnight and 8 AM by timer device.

Remove Thatch
Dethatch your lawn to remove dead roots and stems. Choose grasses such as rye and fescues that are less likely to form thatch.

Use Fertilizers Wisely
Choose natural organic fertilizers and only use as much as you actually need. Late summer and late fall are the best times to fertilize. Avoid applying before expected heavy rain for less runoff into waterways.
Sweep up any fertilizer from sidewalks and driveways.

If You Use A Lawn Service, Ask Them To:
* Check your lawn for specific problems
* Treat only when problems exist
* Spot treat whenever possible
* Use natural organic fertilizers
* Let you know if they expect to apply pesticides
* Use Integrated Pest Management practices, i.e.least toxic products when necessary.

Pesticides are Toxic. These products:
* May cause skin rash and other physical problems
* Have been linked to childhood illnesses and birth defects
* Enter the body through the mouth, lungs or are absorbed through the skin
* Children and pets are especially vulnerable

Fertilizers Degrade Water Quality
* Improper lawn use of pesticides and fertilizers are a source of water pollution.
* When it rains these products may wash off your lawn and into water sources if not properly applied.

Composting
* Municipal leaf collection takes much time and expense. Residents can improve their gardens and keep their taxes down by composting. Composting is easy and produces an excellent conditioner for flower beds and shrubs. Further information is available from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension listed below.

For Information on Healthy Lawns Without Toxic Chemicals contact:
* Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County (Barbara J. Bromley) (609)-989-6830
* For a list of Integrated Pest Management trained landscapers call Rutgers Extension
(732)-349-1246
* For more general pesticide information call New Jersey Environmental Federation Pesticide Coordinator (609) 767-1110
* For a pesticide emergency call the NJ Poison Information System 1-800-POISON1 (1-800-764-7661)