IN TODAY'S HIGH-PACED WORLD, instant gratification is an integral part of all of our lives. Even those of us who try to be disciplined have a hard time overcoming the overwhelming urge for immediate satisfaction. Of course, this "give it to me now!" mentality has caused a BOOM in chemical fertilizer and pesticide / herbicide / fungicide use.

The reason is clear to anyone who has ever attempted organic growing methods. In general, chemical methods show results much more quickly than organic methods do. The problem is, these results are acheived with short-cut techniques that will, in the end, cause much more harm than good.

Not only are water sources contaminated by chemical use over time, but many other problems are beginning to become evident from the widespread chemical use within the farming and landscaping communities. For instance, the chemicals used DO cause health problems. Repeated exposure to these chemicals over time can be very costly for children, pets and adults. Short term accidental exposure to these chemicals can be just as hazardous, if not more so.

In addition, long term chemical use on any lawn, crop or garden will eventually lead to more problems than you started with. To be sure, most farmers and landscape professionals are much more judicious in their use of chemicals these days, but, in most cases, the introduction of some chemical to alleviate one problem causes one or more other problems to arise. Of course, if you are a proponent of chemical use, you simply prescribe some other chemical(s) to manage the new problem(s), and so on, and so on, and so on.

Organic growing methods, on the other hand, generally are much less hazardous to water sources, family and pets than chemicals while providing results that are as good or better than chemical methods - they simply take a little longer, and sometimes require a little more effort at the start.

Proper growing takes time and patience, things that most people in this day and age have little of. Therefore, they reach for the quick fix. Over time this quick fix can turn into a nightmare, but because it is a gradual deterioration, most people don't associate it with chemical use.

Here are a few guidelines for weighing the pros and cons of chemical and chemical-free growing methods:

CHEMICAL PLANTCARE

Positive Aspects:

Heavy spring application of nitrogen concentrated fertilizer makes lawn grow faster, greener, and fuller than without it. "-icides" provide a quick control of pest, weed and disease problems through eradication.

Negative Aspects:

Water solubility of chemical fertilizer leads to quick release. Lawn only receives benefit of about half of application. The half that is received causes a spring growth spurt which depletes lawn's carbohydrate reserves for times of stress. Excessive nitrogen application tends to lessen lawn's natural self-sufficiency. Lawn grows short roots and relies upon fertilizer to sustain itself. Any chemicals used will slow or halt natural decomposition processes so that thatch can accumulate. Increased soil acidity from chemicals forces earthworms & micro-organisms to emigrate from soil. These organisms normally would assist in aeration and decomposition processes. Most grasses do not take well to the high acidity levels in chemically maintained soils. EPA registration of a chemical does not imply that the chemical has been proven to be safe. Many used regularly by lawn-maintenance companies are possible carcinogens and could also cause nervous system damage.

CHEMICAL-FREE PLANTCARE

Negative Aspects:

Moderate application of natural fertilizer takes a bit longer to achieve the lush, green lawn you want in the spring. Chemical-free control measures do not completely eradicate weeds and pests.

Positive Aspects: Water insolubility of natural fertilizers provides for slow release so that lawn has time to benefit from whole of application. A result of slow release is no rapid growth spurt to deplete the lawn's carbohydrate reserves. More moderate percentage of nitrogen, in proportion to other nutrients in fertilizer, lets lawn remain independent with strong root systems. Natural fertilizers will maintain or increase the rate of decomposition by adding beneficial micro-organisms. Natural fertilizers and top-dressing create little or no pH change (no acidity increase). Therefore, earthworms and micro-organisms remain to maintain soil. Grasses will thrive at neutral pH levels which are created by eliminating chemical applications from lawn maintenance. Natural fertilizers and chemical-free control measures will not harm you, your family, your friends, your pets, or your lawn. You can sleep soundly knowing that your lawn is healthy and those you care about are safe.