On 28 Apr 2005 10:31:43 -0700, "korey99"
wrote:

Hi all-

I hope I'm not going to start a big mess, but I had a question. I've
read lots about the opinion of many in this group that the pesticides
used by lawn services and in Weed and Feed products are bad news. I
don't need to be sold on that one; I have a very young son who will be
playing on that grass next year, and whether 2,4D's danger is confirmed
or not, I don't plan to take any chances. Regarding danger, is the
same true for the actual granular fertilizer (without weed/insect
treatments)?

Read the label. I would not allow a child to play in the grass after
any fertilizer application, until after a rain.


I've read up on organic gardening as well, and what I've read indicates
that I should build healthy dense turf to choke out weeds (a
no-brainer). They recommend applying 1/4 to 1/2" of compost to the
lawn twice a year as fertilizer. I've got 12,000 sq ft of lawn though,
and by my figuring that's about 20 to 40 cubic yards of compost each
year. I don't want to say that's infeasible, but that's still several
trips by delivery truck (or several more in my pickup) each time, not
to mention the expense. Is the general consensus that chemical
fertilizers themselves are bad, or is it the herbicides and
insecticides that often accompany them?

Chemical fertilizers are not bad if used properly. Organic
fertilizers could contain harmful bacteria and/or heavy metals. I use
both inorganic (3x a year) and organic (one time per year)
applications to my lawn. If you use a mulching mower, you
automatically and safely return nitrogen to the lawn. With herbicides
and insecticides, follow the label directions and use common sense.


Thanks,
Korey