If you’re in the process of researching lawn care programs, you might be wondering about organic lawn care. The trouble is, this is one of those hot topics that tends to inspire a lot of misinformation. There are a lot of opinions about organic lawn care but some of them are rooted in false information they’ve heard or read.

We understand that most people ask about organic lawn care for two main reasons: safety and the environment. These are absolutely valid concerns and we understand why people are worried.

But it’s important to understand that in the lawn care industry, “organic” is a buzzword that doesn’t have a concrete definition. It’s not like the food industry where “organic” food is regulated and certified by the USDA.

In general, organic lawn care could be considered any lawn care practice that does not involve the use of chemicals. Unfortunately, it’s really difficult to achieve the results you desire with this type of lawn care program. And the truth is, when utilized properly, the use of some lawn care products is not unsafe or harmful to the environment.

In this article, we’ll dive into more about lawn care product safety and Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape’s stance on organic lawn care. We want to help you make the best decisions for your Northern VA lawn.

What is Organic Lawn Care?

As we mentioned, the word “organic” does get thrown around a lot in our industry. However, an organic lawn care program is most often defined as one that does not use any chemicals.

The thing is, it’s almost impossible to have a weed-free lawn without using some weed control products. For that reason, even some lawn care companies that claim to use organic lawn care are probably using a hybrid program.

As far as organic fertilizers, the main difference is that they use chicken manure. But this can come with its own set of downsides such as attracting flies and generating odors.

Some companies just like throwing this word around because it sounds good.

But one of two things are likely to happen. The customers are either dissatisfied with the results or, they weren’t actually getting true “organic lawn care” in the first place. They were just drawn in by a marketing gimmick.

In our opinion, the biggest problem is that a push for organic lawn care makes it seem that traditional programs are not safe and science has proven this simply isn’t true. We’ll explain why.

Are Traditional Lawn Care Programs Safe?

We understand that lawn care product safety is a big deal. While organic lawn care sounds like it is the only way to be safe and responsible, this isn’t actually the case.

At Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape, we use lawn care products that are closely regulated and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. All of our products are not only EPA-certified but also Virginia Department of Agriculture certified.

We also take great care to ensure that any of the lawn care products that we use are applied properly. Proper application is key to lawn care product safety. This includes taking a selective approach to weed control.

While many lawn care companies will come in and just spray everything (that’s a lot faster than walking around doing targeted applications), we identify individual weeds and selectively spray them. This means we’re also putting less product down.

We take this same approach with fertilizer application - avoiding overapplication. When too much fertilizer is put down, it can become part of runoff that ends up in local waterways. But this doesn’t happen when the proper amount is applied.

In fact, research has shown that proper fertilization can contribute to less runoff. That’s because a thick and healthy turf boasts an excellent natural filtration system that reduces stormwater runoff. In this way, a thick and healthy turf is actually better for the environment.

In general, healthy lawns have a number of benefits to the environment including:

• Oxygen Production: One 5,000 sq. ft. lawn can produce enough oxygen to support 14 to 34 people
• Natural Cooling: Lawns can be up to 60 degrees cooler than hardscapes in the summer.
• Reduced Carbon Dioxide: Lawns can capture as much as 90 percent of the carbon in the yard.

Is Lawn Care Safe for Pets and Kids?

At the heart of a lot of people’s concerns is whether lawn care is safe for their family. Like you, we have kids and pets, too, and we understand your concern for their well-being.

When products are applied properly, they are not harmful. We always advise that people keep their pets and children indoors during applications. But once the products are dry, it’s fine to use your lawn again.

A huge component of safety is the fact that we go above and beyond with training. We always want to make sure that our lawn care technicians are applying products correctly.

Of course, not everything that we do involves the use of products. We also use natural lawn care methods like mechanical lawn aeration, which helps the lawn to grow thicker and healthier without any products. Lawn aeration helps break up compaction and helps your lawn to “breathe.”

Keeping up with this service on a regular basis is one of the best ways to promote a healthy lawn.

The Best of Both Worlds

At Kingstowne Lawn & Landscape, we take what we’d say is a middle-of-the-road approach.

We know that people want beautiful lawns that they are proud to show off and enjoy. But we also know that they don’t want to make safety compromises in order to achieve it.

We feel the same way.

That’s why we use safe products that are not harmful to the environment when applied properly. We also take a lot of precautions to make sure that your family stays safe. We do not go in and spray properties excessively.

In fact, what happens as your lawn grows thicker and healthier is that it will need fewer products over time. That’s because it will begin to choke out weeds on its own.

As you research lawn care programs, it’s important to understand what you’re really getting for your investment. We believe you deserve a company that is transparent and honest every step of the way. Be careful about any companies that make claims that seem too good to be true.

We want you to know that you’re not alone in your concerns about being a responsible and safe lawn owner. We’re right there with you. That’s why we’re proud to be able to offer the best of both worlds to our customers. We’re helping people achieve beautiful lawns that are not at the expense of safety or responsibility.

Don’t let your worries stand in the way of a great lawn when we are here to help! Instead, request your quote, choose from 3 lawn care package options, and relax as you get the royal treatment.