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Q. Is the company willing to help you understand your lawn's
problems and the solutions?
A. Lawn services generally apply fertilizers and pesticides.
But you may be the one who mows and waters--and poor
watering and mowing practices can lead to disappointing
results. The company should tell you how it plans to take
care of your lawn, and advise you about the work you need
to do to keep your lawn in good shape.
Q. Will the company tell you what pesticides it applies to
your lawn and why, and what health and environmental risks
may be presented by their use?
A. You have a right to this information. If asked, the
company should readily supply it. All pesticides sold
legally in the United States are registered by EPA, but
such registration is not a guarantee of safety. Ask to see
a copy of pesticide labels to make sure they bear an EPA
registration number, and to review the directions that
should be followed. If the company can't answer your
questions about the chemicals it uses, call NPTN
(1-800-858-7378) for more information.
For More Information
Affiliated with the Land Grant university in each state is
a system of County Cooperative Extension Offices. Usually
listed in the telephone directory under county or state
government, these offices often have a range of resources on
lawn care and landscape maintenance, including plant selection,
pest control, and soil testing.
State agriculture and/or environmental agencies may
publish information on pests and pest management strategies.
The state pesticide regulatory agency can provide information
on pesticide regulations, and may also have information on
companies with a history of complaints or violations. NPTN (see
below) can identify the agency responsible for pesticide
regulation in each state.
The National Pesticide Telecommunications Network is a
tollfree, 24-hour information service that can be reached by
calling 1-800-858-7378 or by FAX at 806-743-3094. The operators
can provide a wide range of information about the health
effects of pesticides, and provide assistance in dealing with
pesticide-related emergencies.
Libraries, bookstores, and garden centers usually have a
wide selection of books that discuss lawn care and other
aspects of landscape management. Garden centers may also have
telephone hotlines or experts available on the premises to
answer your gardening questions.
The Environmental Protection Agency can provide
information on integrated pest management strategies for lawn
care. Write EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs, Field
Operations Division (H7506C), 401 M St., S.W., Washington, D.C.
20460.
Some suppliers of lawn care products can provide helpful
tips, answer questions, and help identify problems. Look for
information/hotline numbers on product packaging.
The Bio-Integral Resource Center (BIRC), a non-profit
organization formed in 1978 through an EPA grant, has
information on least-toxic methods for lawn care. BIRC's
address is: P.O. Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707.
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