ORGANIC LAWN CARE: A Healthier Option for all

Beginning in the 1800s, wealthy landowners in the United States decided to replicate the sterile lawns of the European landscape and maintain them using equipment (the first patent for a lawnmower was obtained in 1868). This set in motion a gradual change whereby native landscapes were transformed into manicured and biologically depleted ones. The removal of “weeds” and insects on these lawns was accomplished through mechanical and, eventually, chemical methods.

Today, approximately 80 million pounds of chemical pesticides and an equal amount of fertilizers are applied to lawns each year in the United States. These sterile landscapes simply cannot provide the biodiverse habitats necessary to promote the populations of our birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and native plants. And – the chemicals applied to our lawns that are transported into our waterways create weakened aquatic ecosystems as well.

To begin restoring healthy and useful landscapes for wildlife, Audubon is working with landowners in urban areas to reduce the use of chemically-driven lawncare. By seeking organic alternatives and using native plants, we can begin restoring habitat that serves as part of a fully-functional ecosystem – not just one that is pleasing to the eye.

Ask your lawn care company these simple questions:

• Do you know if your treatments contain neonicotinoid pesticides?

• How do you ensure excess lawn nutrients don’t pollute our watershed?

• What do you use to manage common lawn pests?

• Are you using broad pesticides that harm pollinators?

• Is your team certified and trained in pesticide use?