Lawn Spraying is not Polluting

Critics of lawn spraying claim that lawn spraying is bad for you, your pets and the environment. The critic’s claims are not science or even observable – it merely is the critics “perception” or  their “opinion” of a spray truck full of “chemicals” being sprayed onto a lawn. “That must be bad” the critics will claim. The critics are passionate and genuinely sincere but they are wrong.

Progress of the Lawn Spraying Industry

The raw materials used in lawn spraying are regulated, tested and certified by state and federal agencies safe to use on lawns. The regulations, testing and certifications are strict: No product that causes any cancer in any mammal or pollutes the environment can be applied to lawns.  In 1972 when that criteria was introduced, the industry leaders did not believe a product could be discovered and manufactured that would meet the criteria. For them, they thought it was “game over”. Fast forward 30 years and today we have pesticides that exceed even the industry leaders expectations, are completely non-carcinogenic and do not pollute.

Why Post Warning Signs

The posting signs required by law that warn people and pets to stay off until dry is a relic of the 70’s when lawn spraying was first introduced. In 1970, some of the chemicals were hazardous and posting warning signs was wise. However, today, the signs are a form of roadside advertisement with a warning attached. If the signs were reevaluated, they would be tossed into a same pile with typewriters and vinyl records – functional but not needed.

Pet Safety

Years ago I received a letter from a lady stating that the lawn spraying had made her dog violently ill and she wanted me to pay the $400 vet bill. The vet would not verify the cause of the sickness was the lawn spraying.The lady was emotional and very passionate about her dog and her concern that the chemicals I was spraying was killing her , her dog and the environment. I somehow managed to write a gracious response explaining that for the dog to have been sickened by the lawn spraying, the dog would have had to lick the entire lawn clean and the dog would have to weigh less than a first class letter (1 oz). That demonstrates how small the amounts chemicals are used on lawns and how non-poisonous they are are to non-target species.

Professionals doing Professional Work

My resume spans over 30 years – starting with a BS in Agronomy from Va Tech passing through Golf Courses, Resorts, College Teaching to finishing out in lawn spraying. I am required by law to continue my education with over 4 hours of continuing education every year. In addition, my suppliers do a wonderful job keeping me updated on the new technology with literature, scientific research, and samples. I am a highly trained and skilled professional using highly advanced practices and products on your lawn. I am efficient and effective causing no impact on the environment. The same can not be said of average Joe doubling up on insecticides and fertilizer to get “better” results.

Best for Family and Environment: The Professional

In regards to consumer products, often I am asked about “such’n such” at Home Depot. Yet because of the advanced technology I use and the “dumbing-down” of  consumer products, I usually cannot comment – there is little similarity between my practices and products and the consumer market. If there is going to be harm to people, pets and the environment, it will be the  “Weekend Warrior”  doubling down on on fertilizer and insecticide to cure chinch bugs in one hour – not the professional using advanced practices and products. If your concern is the environment – hiring a professional is best for environment.

Conclusion

There is nothing better for you, your pets and the environment than a healthy lawn (see How Green is Turf). Professional lawn spraying is not a form of pollution, but actually the opposite. Lawn spraying is effective, accurate use of products that are safe and do not pollute.