The high-volume production of pesticides began after World War II, when chemical compounds originally designed as nerve poisons were marketed to the agricultural and turf care industries as the "modern way" to control pests. Without adequate testing or government regulation, pesticide manufacturers developed and marketed products for aesthetic lawn care that would later be found to have a negative impact on humans, wildlife and the larger environment.

Today, the best way to have a beautiful lawn is with state-of-the-art non-toxic alternatives. Knowledgeable professionals and homeowners start with building healthy soil and may use biological, mechanical or botanical controls as needed for particular pest problems. Many of these alternative products are available in garden shops and are formulated and packaged for easy use by the consumer. See resources below for mail order companies.

For more detailed information on safe lawn maintenance, see Grassroots Tips For An Easy-Care Organic Lawn and our Green Lawn Card.

LINKS & RESOURCES

COMPREHENSIVE ALTERNATIVE PEST CONTROL SOLUTIONS
The catalogues of the following companies are good references and sources for alternative products.

Arbico (800-827-2847) www.arbico.com

Peaceful Valley (888-784-1722) www.groworganic.com

Gardens Alive (812-537-8650) www.GardensAlive.com

Gardener's Supply (888-833-1412) www.gardeners.com

Mother Earth Organics (800-770-5010) www.motherearthorganics.com

Planet Natural (800-289-6656) www.planetnatural.com

North Country Organics (802-222-4277) www.norganics.com

For commercial users, see North Country Organics (802-222-4277) www.norganics.com or Bradfield Industries (417-882-1442) www.bradfieldind.com

WEBSITE LINKS

www.thebestcontrol.com A website developed by Steve Tvedten, a recognized expert in the field of non-toxic pest control

www.neighborhood-network.org A regional non-profit that produces an Organic Lawn Guide that is a wonderful resource for homeowners and businesses.

SUGGESTED READING

The Chemical Free Lawn by Warren Schultz
RodalePress, ISBN 0-87857-801-3

A Man's Turf: The Perfect Lawn by Warren Schultz
Clarkson Potter Publishers, ISBN 0-609-60068-0

Redesigning the American Lawn- A search for Environmental Harmony by Borman, Blamori & Geballe
Yale University Press, 2001.

Gardener's Guide to Common Sense Pest Control by William Olkowski, Sheila Daar, Helga Olkowski
Taunton Press, ISBN 1-56158-149-6

Organic Gardening: Your Seasonal Companion to Creating a Beautiful and Delicious Garden by Maria Rodale
Rodale Press, ISBN 0-87596-799-X

Edaphos: Dynamics of a Natural Soil System and Handbook of Successful Ecological Lawn Care by Paul Sachs
Edaphic Press. Order from website: www.norganics.com or call 802-222-4277

Taylor's Weekend Gardening Guide: Safe and Easy Lawn Care by Barbara Ellis
Houghton Mifflin Publishers, ISBN 0-395-81369-7

Building a Healthy Lawn: A Safe and Natural Approach by Stuart Franklin
Storey Communications, ISBN 0-882665189