Without Pesticides, What Do I Do about Weeds and Insects?
In order to ensure a clean and healthy future for everyone, we are all going to have to get used to a few weeds and insects. It may help to remember that the definition of a plant as a weed is all in the perception - a weed is simply a plant growing where it's not wanted. What may be considered a weed in some areas is a prized plant in others. Consider as well that less than two percent of insects are harmful to humans or crops. The vast majority provide a balance or services that keep our planet healthy. Beneficial insects such as ground beetles, ladybugs, fireflies, green lacewings, praying mantids, spiders, and wasps keep harmful insects from devouring your plants. They also pollinate plants and decompose organic matter.
OK...but there are still some plants that I don't want in my yard.
If you only have isolated weeds such as dandelions, consider using a hand-held weed puller to remove them. The best way to prevent problems is to ensure your lawn is healthy (which will discourage pests), and to head off any problems early. If you have a severe infestation and believe that you have no alternative to using pesticides, you need to ensure that you comply with Windsor's pesticide by-law.
Preventing Problems with Weeds and Insects
The best way to eliminate your need for pesticides is to keep your lawn healthy in the first place. There are a variety of ways to do this:
- TOPDRESS your lawn once or twice a year with 5 mm (1/4 inch) of compost, topsoil, or compaost manure.
- OVERSEED any bare spots in spring and fall with hardy grass seed.
- MOW HIGH - don't cut grass any shorter than 90 mm (3½ inches) in order to let the grass blades shade weeds and increase lawn thickness.
- WATER LESS - only 25 mm (1 inch) per week is needed to keep your lawn green throughout the summer. Water in the morning to allow the most moisture to be absorbed.
- REPLACE some of your grass with trees, shrubs, perennials, ground cover, and wild flowers. Native plants and flowers are good choices because they are adapted to grow well in our climate and soils without excessive water and fertilizer.
- AERATE compacted soil in spring or fall to improve soil quality.
- MONITOR your yard to catch any problems early when they can be addressed without toxic chemicals.
- CHOOSE plants and grasses that are well-adapted for your soil, temperature range, and sun or shade exposure. Plants and grasses that are native to this area do better without too much assistance.
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Unused pesticides or empty pesticide containers should be brought to the Household Chemical Waste Depot for proper disposal. Leftover pesticides should never be dumped down the drain, down toilets, onto the ground, or into sewers.
The Depot is located at 3560 North Service Road in Windsor, near the intersection os E.C. Row Expressway and Central Avenue. The Depot is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Hours are shortened during the months of December to February. |
Links For More Information
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Disposing of Pesticides