About Pesticides

 

Pesticides are chemical substances that are used to control undesirable plants, fungus, insects and animals.

 Generally, there are two types of pesticides used on residential lawns:

• Granules applied with a spreader.  These are often weed and feed type products
• Liquids applied with a hose. 

 

Some people may also use a squirt bottle to spot-spray specific problem areas on their lawns, patios or driveways.

If you decide to use pesticides, it is essential that you follow all precautions listed on the product label to avoid personal harm. 

 

 

It is important to note that pesticides are just one method to control lawn problems.  Another method is to take preventative action to make your lawn naturally strong, healthy, and able to fend off weed and insects.  These actions are listed under the Healthy Lawn Care section of this website and include:

• Raising your mower height to 2.5 to 3 inches
• Watering deeply, but only once per week or less 
• Fertilizing in the spring and fall
• Adding a mixture of grass seed in the spring and fall

 

Most lawn problems are actually just a symptom of underlying problems with your lawn ecosystem.  These underlying problems could include a nutrient-poor soil, thin topsoil, a lack of diversity of grass types, and others.