Hello and welcome to the Spring 2010 update. It looks like we are in for a very early spring and the lack of snow cover could result in a very dry start to the year.
As you are aware, the provincial government has eliminated pratically all the pesticide products used by the lawn care industry to maintain a healthy lawn. These products are still available for any other use in Ontario EXCEPT lawn care. Currently there are many lawsuits taking place as the industry attempts to prove that the provincial government was negligent in making decisions regarding pesticides by ignoring the overwhelming scentific facts proving these products are safe when properly used, and instead choosing to listen to activist groups. Members of these activist groups are also being charged for providing false and misleading information which influenced government decision making. If you are upset that you have lost the right to use these products on your own personal property, I suggest you phone, write or email Mike Brown, or others in the McGuinty Liberal government and state your views as I have. The environmentalist groups have a strong voice, if homeowners wish to protect their rights, and property, they must also make their voice heard.
In the meantime, we have a new product available that IS approved for use in Ontario, called SARRITOR, that kills weed without harming grass. It is very expensive and in very high demand and as such, quanities are limited. Please see below for more information.
Hope to see you soon,
Steve
SARRITOR WEED KILLER: Sarritor was developed at McGill University and is being manufactured in the United States by Agrium Advanced Technologies and distributed by Nu-Gro Ltd. This granular product consists of a fungus(Sclerotinia minor) living on a host of dry barley granules which act as a food source until application time. Due to the cost, this product is usually applied as a spot treatment to individual weeds. Basically a small handful of pellets are sprinkled on the leaves of the weed.For the fungus to be effective and grow, temperatues must be between 18 and 24 Celcius. The product must also be watered in, within 12 hours of application. The fungus infects the plant, creating a white fuzzy appearance on the leaf surface and kills the plant in about one week.. The product is safe to people and pets.Due to temperature and watering requirments, this product works best when applied around mid August and into September to kill weeds that germinate after the spring Corn Gluten Treatment. Weeds affected include dandelion, clover and plantain. Other broad leaf plants, including flowers can also be infected if the product is applied to them.
I only have a limited quantity of Sarritor for this year. If you are interested in a quote, or more information, please call 848-0254.
CORN GLUTEN: As last year, I will be using liquid corn gluten in the spring to control weed germination. This organic fertilizer has been shown effective in controlling the germination of seedlings (dandelion, chick weed etc.) in lawns. It will not, however, kill existing weeds. It only stops the germination of new weeds. Trials have shown that with use over time, existing grass is stregthened by the use of Corn Gluten over several years. As grass becomes thicker, and newly germinating weeds are continually thwarted by the effects of corn gluten, a lawn maintains a mostly weed-free state.
Again I stress the importance of proper lawn maintenance, including INFREQUENT but heavy watering. Frequent, light watering promotes weed seed germination. Infrequent, heavy watering promotes, thick healthy grass with strong roots. DO NOT WATER YOUR LAWN MORE THAN ONCE EVERY 2 WEEKS. When watering a lawn, soak one area for at least 3 hours, this will allow for a deep penetration of water, and encourage deep roots.
Other important steps which will help in maintaining a healthy, weed free lawn include a high mowing height. The less light penetrating to the root zone, means less weed germination, and less watering. We will be raising the height of cut of our mowers this year, please do now ask us to lower them. As well, please consider dethatching, aerating, and overseeding as methods of maintaining a healthy lawn.
We are still able to offer fertilizing services, although I understand that the environmentalists are now targetting fertilizer use. It never ends!
Please consider the following services if you do not currently recieve them already;
1. Aeration: The removal of cores of soil in the lawn which reduces compaction, aids in root growth, increases water and nutrient absorption. Click here for more info.
2. Dethatching: The removal of the dead layer of grass or thatch, which accumulates above the grass roots. This machine is akin to vigorously raking a lawn in the same spot for about five minutes, it removes an astounding amount of dead grass. Click here for more info.
P.S. For the TRUTH about the use of pesticides in the lawncare industry, I have a page outlining the true facts on the products I use. Just click on the pesticide link.
