Would you rather have a lawn that looks like a golf course or a park?
It’s a joy to be outdoors in the spring! Seasonal changes add interest to our walks in the neighborhood …. UNTIL we get to that acrid odor of lawn spray. We take care not to step on THAT yard to avoid tracking toxic chemicals into our home. Thankfully, in Iowa City, our public turf grass is free from harmful effects of urban pesticide. Back in 2016 Iowa City banned pesticides in parks and trails. Soon after, Iowa City Community Schools followed suit and now Johnson County, too. And the reason is because research shows evidence of harm from pesticide exposure in so many ways – to health, water quality, pets, pollinators, and biodiversity.
We are blessed to live in a neighborhood where very few yards are sprayed. Our neighbors get it. Natural lawn care is simple and it saves money. Here’s what you do: Just omit pesticides and herbicides, and mow high (at least 3 inches). And neighbors get this part, too: our lawns are just as aesthetically pleasing as treated lawns, while providing some great benefits. If you are interested in reconsidering the way you care for your lawn, go here for more information and science-driven evidence: https://goodneighboriowa.org/ -Linda Rice and Gary Lawrenson, Iowa City
https://iowacitypresscitizen-ia.newsmemory.com/?selDate=20210303&editionStart=Iowa+City+Press+Citizen&goTo=A07
also in Little Village March 1, 2021