For Release: Friday, March 20, 2009

Commissioner Grannis: Why Not a Truly 'Green' Lawn?

DEC Offers Tips on Non-chemical Lawn Care

With the arrival of spring, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis is encouraging homeowners and businesses to think about having a truly "green" lawn this year. Instead of reaching for a bag of chemical lawn treatment or other chemical insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, consider the many ways to care for your turf, flowers, and shrubs without such products.

"Protecting the environment by preventing pollution and reducing the use of chemicals is the best kind of environmental stewardship," Commissioner Grannis said. "Lawn care is one of the most promising ways to make progress on this front, because of the wealth of resources available on alternatives that are environmentally friendly and protective of public health."

DEC is highlighting the issue with the release of a poster and enhanced information on its website tailored to a range of audiences: do-it-yourself homeowners, people and businesses looking for lawn care companies that use an organic approach, and lawn care providers who would like training in alternatives.

Some examples of alternatives include adjusting mowing heights, mulching and overseeding to crowd out weeds, using organic fertilizers and composts to build up soil fertility and structure, and planting well-adapted species that do not require a major investment of time or materials to thrive. A homeowner can utilize corn gluten meal for weed control, beneficial nematodes for grub control, or Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sprays for bugs.

For a printable version of the poster and more practical information about alternatives, visit the DEC website, look for "Green Lawns" under the "NEW FROM DEC" section. Or go to: http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/44290.html