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Using Pesticides and Fertilizer

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Pesticides and fertilizers are somewhat necessary evils in the landscaping business. In order to construct a landscape the way you want (although how bad would a few weeds actually look?), you have to use pesticides to gain control over "pesty" plants, animals, and fungi. Fertilizers are tempting because they make your landscape grow quickly, but that growth comes at an environmental cost. At the same time, however, many pesticides and fertilizers drastically pollute our water and soil and endanger our families. If you can't eliminate using these products altogether, however, you can at least use them minimally and efficiently.

First of all, plant in ways that reduce your need to use pesticides and fertilizer. Ask your nursery for pest-resistant plants, and introduce animals such as praying mantises and ladybugs that will control your pest population. Plant native plants that won't require fertilizer to grow. In addition, don't rush out and buy pesticides at the first sign of trouble; be patient and allow natural predators to come for the pests. You should also identify whether the pest is actually the problem. Healthy plants resist many pests on their own, so you may be simply not doing a good job of keeping your plants healthy?

Second, purchase organic pesticides and fertilizers instead of synthetics. Organic pesticides (e.g. corn gluten, bacillus thuringiensis) and fertilizers (e.g. manure, blood meal, green sand) don't have the same negative impact on the water supply or soil as do synthetics. Look for pesticides termed "organic" and fertilizers described as "slow release."

Finally, apply your pesticides and fertilizer conservatively, and in accordance with the safety instructions. You'll likely only need to apply pesticides once or twice each year, and the more you use pesticides, the more the pests will build up a tolerance to the product. Thus, simply cut or pull out individual weeds when you can, and when you can't, spot apply pesticides rather than spraying the entire yard. As for fertilizer, you may sacrifice a little color by cutting down your use, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Next Page: Planning and Maintaining an Environment-Friendly Landscape

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