Blow Them Sprinklers

Working as a sprinkler technician this year told me something. When trees go dormant, that's also good time to shut the irrigation off and blow out sprinklers. Waiting until after a freeze is not wise either, so watch the weather carefully. Of course, this year is exceptionally warm in Colorado and people seem to be waiting longer than normal. The trees have decided to rest, and most other things, though people are still rushing around. The anticipation of winter has subsided some, almost like it isn't going to come. We somehow know that can't be true. Act natural.

Bees, Bugs, and Blood

The relationship between Bees and Weeds may not be what you think. Roundup is a glyphosate, which is a herbicide, for weeds. "Glyphosate is not a neonicotinoid. Neonicotinoids are pesticides/insecticides that are used to treat crops against certain insects such as pollen beetles."
(1)

Roundup causes my nose to bleed. "Last year, 17 of the world's top cancer researchers unanimously voted to elevate the cancer profile of glyphosate on behalf of the World Health Organization. The WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) now classifies the weed-killer as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' after the panel of experts reviewed all of the publicly available research. Following up on the action by the WHO, the state of California is currently in the process of listing glyphosate as a known human carcinogen under its Prop 65 law." (2)

Roundup products were not widely used on crops until Monsanto began selling genetically modified seeds that resist the herbicide, not much more than a decade ago. Nearly all corn in the U.S. and most soybeans and cotton have been genetically modified. It is not a matter of helping poor nations increase food production, but the main use is to increase profit. High fructose corn syrup is not sold in the health and wellness department, at least not without an evil superpower mask.

I suppose an examination of the economy and how genetically modifying massive amounts of food is helping farmers and consumers, weighing profits to well being tends to tilt in one direction rather than the other. Thankfully, there seems to be enough carefulness and awareness to overcome plague and famine in the long run. Still, population increase is directly related to ignorance and exploitation.

Which brings us back to bees. Crops and money means battling the bugs. So in the same way that we fight weeds, we fight bugs. It happens in our front yards. (3) Use that all-powerful index finger, squirt squirt, kick back and watch the cosmetically green dead zone dazzle our superficial imaginations.

Farmers are no less human when it comes to getting down on hands and knees in the heat of day, they're just supposed to be better at it than the average lawn owner. Once again the tides are changing. Gardens are good things. So are bugs and bees, and even many weeds are beneficial, certainly less harmful than Roundup.

Maryland County Bans Cosmetic Lawn Pesticides

"...Based on legislation passed today by a 6-3 vote. The ban, an historic
public health measure, will protect one million people in a county outside
Washington DC..."
"The Montgomery County Parks Department has fought against the bill, suggesting that fields cannot be managed with organic practices. Extensive testimony on alternatives has educated council members on the viability of organic practices."
"While the chemical lawn care industry strenuously opposed the bill, in testimony before the Council an industry spokesman said he could implement organic programs for his customers."

Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog

Pulling Weeds

Pulling weeds is a lost art, fine one too, and sweaty. That thing called sweat makes athletes lots of money, benefits many, and sustains most. It is a Biblical concept really, although we live in a "progressive" world. People tend to avoid sweat. It costs about the same to pay someone for the hours to pull weeds and reduce the surface population, as it does to spray who-knows-what on the lawn and expect new and old varieties next year. I suppose there is a place for blanket alternatives. Either way we can't seem to avoid working. Nurturing the grass is helpful too.

Driving

I don't like driving much. As a passenger it is fine. I drove a big truck for a few years, off and on. It would be okay except I can't figure out people. In kindergarten, I would observe kids pushing and shoving in line. Even then I wondered at the senslessness. The same ones in a hurry to get where they would not go sooner than later, are sent to the back of the line, like it never happened ever before, again and again. I see it on the road everyday, like so many people missed that class only not, and were sent ahead. I feel the same way, go around. I'm going over the speed limit, nearly every time, except perhaps from a start and you know which ones are ready to drive over the top, or in a parking lot. There is a difference between "fast lane" and "through way" and "15 mph over the speed limit or get out of my way". The same thing everyone knows or should have learned in drivers school, if not for safety out of respect, is to not tailgate. Everyone knows it. Some or most are oblivious, but others just make it very clear that the guy in front is wrong, and the next, and the next... They will line up, passing one by one, in back of another micro-seconds ahead, somehow in denial, blaming it on everyone else and the boss. I like riding bicycles. Share the road.

Benevolent Dandelions

"Dandelions are rich in vitamins A, C, B6, riboflavin, thiamine, calcium, copper, manganese, and iron. They're also packed with protein, choline, inulin, and pectin."

"Pick young, tender leaves in the spring before the flower stalk appears. Be sure to include the underground leaf crowns or 'rosettes.' The developing yellow flower buds can also be dug up before they sprout (you'll find them nestled in the white crowns)." MaryJane's Outpost; Unleashing Your Inner Wild by MaryJane Butters, 2008.

Note: Contrary to recent innuendos and demeaning propaganda, it is not beneficial or even safe, rather quite unappealing if in fact dangerously lethal to eat dandelions sprayed with Roundup. 

2015 Fort Collins Lawn and Garden Equipment Rebate Program

Fort Collins is offering rebates on electric and battery-powered equipment, or using a sustainable lawn care service in an effort to keep the air clean. I think this is reasonable considering, while banning cigarette smoke inside public business is the law, breathing clean air outdoors is important too. Heck, regardless of global warming, clean air is a good thing! You can find out more information and to get involved go to www.fcgov.com/lawnmower.

Geneticaly Modified Human Nature

The recent debate about GMOs reveals the evolution of tweaking information and how subtly attitudes are changed. Instead of asking, "Do you prefer natural foods to man-made science experiments?" They infer that, "It is safe!" Questioning the control and authority of man then becomes futile and for certain ridicule. I don't doubt that genetics can work toward humane benefit, only strange it should be obligatory (so customary or routine as to be expected of everyone or on every occasion). Changing the meaning of propaganda is not only politically correct but also in vogue.

Soil Testing

"Residents who plant without preparing the soil often
end up with persistent lawn problems or landscape
plants that simply do not thrive. Applying fertilizer to the
soil surface after planting will not solve the problem."

"In order to have a healthy, attractive landscape,
take time to prepare the soil before you plant.
Prepare the soil wherever you plan on installing lawn or
landscape plants such as flowers, grasses, shrubs and
trees. Don’t skip this step. There is not an easy way to
go back and fix the soil once plants are installed. If you
are working with a landscape contractor, make sure soil
preparation is part of the installation plan. The first step
is to get a soil test."

Colorado State University Best Practices, Soil Preparation (.pdf)

Weed Garden

The old idea of getting at the root of the problen usually applies. Actually, disposing of seeds is quick and effective. Pop the top off dandelions and grab for whatever wants to grow, tear it up. Let grass do its thing.

Weed Seeds

There are at least three ways to get rid of weeds: Stop it. Pull it. Mutate it. Chop it up and eat it like salad. Don't let the seeds fall into the ground. Stop it before it starts. You can go for the root, but that won't do if hundreds of others start, or even another single seed falls into the hole left by a freshly pulled root. That is why corn gluten meal and some patience work better than tweaked weeds which come back year after year. It has been found that corn gluten meal has a ninety percent success rate only after four years. How's that Round Up doing again this year? If you see a dandelion seeding, pop the top and throw it into the trash; to heck with the root! Contrary to popular persuasion, it'll die with some persistance, root and all.

Efficiency

It was suggested that 4Lawns become more efficient. It may be true. Rolling along in the bike lane it occured that larger lawn companies can spend years of profits and expenses on equipment. 4Lawns may have minor problems with electric trimmers hacking through genetically modified weeds, but we are able to maintain. Manual mowers require more time and enegy, but economically are more efficient than so many typical gas hogs. It may be a matter of perspective. 4Lawns does not contribute to inflation.

Mutant weeds

I'm not a fan of evolution. GMOs cause more havoc than good. Farmers in the Midwest are running from super weeds, six inches in diameter. Many are turning their backs on GMOs. Besides, organic food tastes better.

Mow Mashers, Soil Smashers

Another thing about reel mowing, it is better for your lawn. Grass doesn't grow well on asphalt and concrete, so why drive on it? Things that require combustion tend to operate like a jack hammer. Lighten up. It doesn't hurt.

Thatch

Thatch tends to keep the good stuff out, and bad stuff in, like pests and mold. Organic lawns rarely have a problem with thatch. Organic soil has healthy microorganisms which eat thatch much quicker than on a chemical diet.

Baby the grass. Battle the weeds.

We live on the same corner.

Why 4Lawns?

We are all on the same corner. We have something in common. We really do. We can shovel the neighbors' walks, build fences, and kill the dandelions. We share those things too, from the chemicals we use to kindness and compassion. It may be other than things we can see or prove to be right or wrong, but every soul matters, everything we do.

Lawn Care

Basic Lawn Care 101

I. Listen

1. Listen to the weather. Listen to the grass. Listen to the weeds. Monsanto does not tell you as much if anything about healthy grass. If it is too dry, it may be better to let grass retain moisture and not cut too regularly. Some of it may be growing quite fast, while patches of brown appear in other areas. 
2. Did you know clover is a good thing? Weeds can tell you what is going on in the ground. Lots of dandelions may be telling you there is not enough calcium. Which are winning, weeds (what you don't want) or grass (what do you want)?

II. Grow

1. Watch it grow. Is the grass making it difficult for other things to grow? Perhaps it is not long enough, cutting it too short; or the roots are too shallow; not watering deep enough.
2. Do you have a compost pile? Compost tea is helpful. It is good soil in liquid form. Compost tea will help reduce thatch as it biodegrades. It makes happy grass.
3. Have you considered letting the grass go to seed?

III. Cutting

1. Grass doesn't like to be traumatized, and generally will take a bit of time to rejuvenate after mowing. Depending on how this is done, weeds have more or less of an opportunity to grow.
2. Reel lawn mowers are good because rotary mowers tend to tear and shred tender blades of grass. Reel mowers are more conservative and clean. Though requiring slightly more work force converting into direct horse power, the indirect benefits are greater. The exhaust from gas mowers is much worse for the environment than even cars. Reel mowers are more peaceful as well.

IV. Relax

1. Enjoy
2. Listen