Earth friendly yards

Are you looking to manage your lawn and garden without the use if unhealthy chemical pesticides? You're in luck--we've compiled our top picks for a more organic approach right here.

Five easy steps to an earth-friendly lawn and garden

Choose plants wisely

Select plants that are suited to the conditions in your landscape, and which are pest and disease resistant.

Install plants correctly

Stressed plants are more vulnerable to insects and disease.

Promote plant health

Test the pH and nutrient level of soil before planting or fertilizing; water, prune and mulch properly.

Keep plants well-groomed

Debris buildup may harbor plant diseases and pests.

An ounce of prevention

Inspect plants regularly for insects, diseases or signs of ill-health. Remember - some insects are beneficial!

Simple steps to organic lawn care include working with nature, not against it. A healthy lawn needs nutrients and microbe rich soil to develop deep rooted, dense turf that competes successfully with weeds. See how!

Pesticides, the environment and your health

• Pesticides can harm wildlife - like songbirds, bees, butterflies, and many beneficial insects
• Pesticides travel - they migrate in to streams, ponds and lakes, and may end up in your drinking water
• Pesticides are probably linked to various cancers. Studies link exposure to increased childhood brain cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and prostate, ovarian and pancreatic cancers

Children are especially vulnerable

Pesticides can disrupt the development of children’s organs and physiological processes, causing irreversible damage. Exposure early in life can damage children’s coordination, memory and stamina, including their ability to learn, play or draw a picture. Español Hoja de Información Plagas caseros, Productos Almacenados, Salúd Pública & Plagas Caseras.

View more info about this project, courtesy of the Toxics Use Reduction Institute.

Read CET's research about Berkshire county attitudes, behaviors and practices related to pesticide use.

Review results from our lawn and garden care survey.

Learn about pesticide labeling.