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Organic Land Care
Organic land care is the use of appropriate methods & materials to promote plant health, using no synthetic pesticides or soil amendments.
A healthy soil contains billions of organisms, from earthworms to microscopic bacteria. Such a balanced ecosystem is necessary for a healthy landscape. Healthy soils yield plants that are disease-resistant, negating the need for chemical pesticides.
View our "Beautiful Lawns, Naturally" guide for natural tips on how to control lawn grubs (e.g. nematodes), how to beat weeds (e.g. mow high), how to manage poison ivy (e.g. mulch), and more.
The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) has developed organic land care standards and is offering an accreditation course for professional organic land care.
Using Professional Services for
Lawns or Tree Care
Ask for an organic program
For best results, use a service that specializes in these methods. They will be the most knowledgeable. In particular, ask how they would control grubs on your lawn and make sure they have pesticide-free techniques.
Never allow use of unknown materials
Always ask what chemicals or materials are going to be applied. Ask for the MSDS (Material Data Safety Sheet) and read it before the application of any chemical. If you agree to the use of pesticides, select the least toxic material. Ask if they have a pesticide applicator's license, and ask to see it.
Never allow routine use of pesticides
It is against EPA regulations for manufacturers to claim that their pesticides are safe, even if used as directed.
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