Each year, municipalities across the country spend millions of dollars purchasing and applying pesticides to large areas of turf, thinking that these products are necessary to maintain lush, beautiful turf. They're not.

Recent advances in product technology and biological research have made natural, or "organic" landscaping the preferred and responsible method of maintaining municipal properties. Once developed and properly maintained, a natural turf program costs less than a chemical program, while the turf has far fewer pest infestation problems and is virtually indistinguishable from its non-organic competition.

Meanwhile, lawn chemicals have been associated with environmental contamination and significant human health problems, including certain cancers, neurological and developmental problems, reproductive harm and birth defects. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to these problems.

Government regulations concerning the marketing of harmful products does little to protect the consumer. An EPA registration number on a product, for example, does not mean that the product is safe, even when used as directed. Rather, it means that there are safety concerns that require registration and monitoring.

Although product labels disclose the acute health effects of exposure to a product (e.g., accidental ingestion, eye and skin contact), they do not address the long-term health effects or warn those individuals with asthma, allergies or chemical sensitivities that they may be particularly affected.

Resources:

View a sample Organic Pest Management Policy.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA), through its Organic Land Care program, has developed extensive standards for organic lawn care. They created an "Organic Lawn and Turf Handbook" and offer certification through a five-day training course.

Natural Turf Pro is a 2-DVD, four-hour professional training program for turf managers and landscapers. The program covers all aspects of natural lawn care, from soil testing to compost tea to new lawn construction.

Osborne Organics, based in Marblehead MA, offers consulting services in natural lawn care (including athletic fields) to schools and municipalities in the Northeast. (781) 631-2468.

The Nature Lyceum, under the direction of founder Jeff Frank, offers professional two-day training courses in natural lawn care in Westhampton, Long Island. (631) 728-0218.