Use Caution When Caring For Your Lawn

When warm weather arrives, many people want their yard to look as good and well kept as possible. To control pesky weeds, lawn care products are often used which may contain chemicals that could affect the health of your pets and your family.

Many of the chemicals commonly used on lawns across the country can be toxic. Here are just a few examples how they affect your pets, humans, and the environment:

A study at Purdue University found that homeowners who use weed and feed type lawn chemicals increased their dog's risk of developing bladder cancer.

The U.S. Geological Survey regularly finds every type of chemical, particularly weed killers, in streams and rivers around neighborhoods. Weed killers contain the chemical 2,4-D, which is found in herbicides and is responsible for many forms of cancers and neurological and immune deficiencies.

A study conducted by PETA found that golf course superintendents who often apply pesticides and herbicides have a higher risk of developing brain cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Of the 36 pesticides most commonly used by homeowners, 14 are carcinogens, 15 are linked to birth defects, 21 are linked to reproductive defects, 24 are linked with neurotoxicity and 22 are linked with liver and kidney damage.

There are plenty of natural alternatives that can be used to keep your yard looking great without the dangerous chemicals. Look for lawn care products that are natural and non-toxic, like the line of lawn and garden products from St. Gabriel Laboratories.

This line of non-toxic alternatives to lawn chemicals includes products for weed and grass control, insect and animal control and fertilizers. The products are approved as safe for pets and wild animals by the Pro Pet Alliance of Veterinarians.

In addition to using non-toxic products, you can have a healthy, beautiful lawn by using these natural gardening techniques.

Sow grass in the fall, when the weather is cooler and there is less competition from weeds.

Grow a mixture of grasses that do well in your area. Zoysia, a spreading perennial grass grows thick, choking out weeds and the grass maintains its lushness with little watering.

Set your lawnmower higher and leave the clippings to promote a lush, strong lawn.

Practice deep watering techniques to cut down on the amount of water needed to maintain your lawn.