a citizen's guide to organic land care
Prepared by Harrington's Organicare and
the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
Organic Land Care Committee for Connecticut and Massachusetts
The NOFA Organic Land Care Committee was formed to extend the vision and principles of organic agriculture to the care of landscapes where most people live, work, play and carry out their daily lives. The mission of the committee is to:
Educate land care professionals and concerned citizens in the practice of organic land care, with the goals of:
- maintaining soil health
- eliminating synthetic pesticide and synthetic fertilizer use
- increasing landscape diversity
- improving the health and well-being of the people and web of life in our care.
This guide is part of a regional effort to educate the public about the meaning of the term "organic" and the benefits of using organic practices in caring for the land around their own homes, neighborhoods and communities.
An organic land care program will help you protect your family's health and protect the environment.
"Treat the Earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children" -attributed to various
"What's the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?" - H. D. Thoreau
WHY ORGANIC LAND CARE?
Organic land care offers you a way to live in a beautiful landscape which is safer for you, your children and pets. It allows you to care for your lawn, trees and shrubs without harming the environment.The guiding principle of organic land care is ecological stewardship and can be summarized in the phrase "First Do No Harm".
- By protecting and enhancing natural elements and choosing indigenous plants appropriate for the site, we maintain and encourage exisiting diversity, resulting in a landscape that is varied and beautiful.
- By reducing overall chemical dependence and by using materials that assist rather than overwhelm the natural system, we practice land care that is gentle to the land and we minimize risks - to human health, to the environment and to plants and animals that share the land.
Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill living things. Different chemicals are formulated to kill different organisms (insecticides for insects, herbicides for weeds, fungicides for diseases, etc.), but pesticides kill many desirable organisms in addition to those they target.
There is growing evidence of the hazards associated with long-term use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Blood tests show that people in all areas of the world, including those where no pesticides are used, have detectable levels of pesticides in their blood and fatty tissues. Pesticide exposure in humans has been associated with birth defects, numerous cancers including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (the second fastest growing cancer in the U.S.), Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders, immune system problems and male infertility. Exposure to high levels of nitrogen in drinking water has been linked to heart problems and birth defects as well.
There is little research about the combined effects of commonly used chemicals. Most are tested individually, although they are often applied severally. Young children (including the unborn) and pets are particularly vulnerable to chemical exposures due their body size, rapidly developing brains and nervous systems and behaviors (fingers in mouth etc.)
Chemicals used in lawn and yard care do not stay where they are applied. When chemicals are applied the ground, they can be carried into buildings and cars on shoes and paws. Without exposure to sunlight and water they break down very slowly and can remain for months in carpets, toys and dust bunnies.
Even pesticides that remain outdoors move around. Rainwater washes chemicals down streets and storm drains to streams, wetlands, lakes and eventually the oceans. Rainwater soaking into the ground carries fertilizers and pesticides into ground water, contaminating drinking wells and aquifers. Pesticides absorbed by plants or insects accumulate in the food chain as contaminated organisms are eaten by birds, fish or other wildlife and people. When chemicals are sprayed, breezes carry droplets to neighboring properties, even miles away. Cleaning sprayers and dumping the wash water down drains sends pesticides and fertilizers directly into a septic system (and the groundwater) or sewage treatment plants (and the local river).
WHAT IS ORGANIC?
By a broad definition, any molecule that contains a carbon atom is organic. However, in landcare terminology, "organic" means that no synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or other harmful soil amendments are used and that the land care practices used on a property will benefit the whole ecosystem.
BEWARE OF MISLEADING ORGANIC CLAIMS
When buying land care products, read the label carefully. Avoid harmful "natural" ingredients like sewage sludge (bio solids) or other industrial compost materials that may contain heavy metals or other toxins, super-phosphates, or ingredients like "natural nitrite of soda" (also called Cilean nitrate) that add salt to the soil. Also be aware of inert ingredients that are dangerous in their own right. Their presence and type may be more difficult to determine since companies are not always required to list them on packaging.
If you use a professional lawn, garden or tree service and have requested an organic program, always ask what materials are being applied and why they need to be used. Some land and care professionals can claim to be organic but still use materials that are harmful to your health and the environment. Information is the best method of evaluation.
WHAT IS ORGANIC LAND CARE?
The term "organic land care" has only recently been defined. The standards subsequently developed by NOFA's Organic Land Care Committee parallel the stringent federal standards farmers must meet to be certified as "organic". They standards provide the landscaping community with a systematic definition of what can be truly considered organic when addressing the special challenges of designing and maintaining landscapes.
Plant health depends on growing the right plant in the right place and in healthy soil appropriate to the habitat and needs of the plant.
The guiding principle of organic land care is to protect and enhance the natural ecosystem. Important goals of organic land care include:
- Working with natural systems to promote biological cycles rather than seeking to dominate them.
- Maintaining and improving the long-term health of soils.
- Avoiding pollution when creating or caring for landscapes.
The NOFA Organic Land Care standards cover all aspects of land care including: site analysis, soil health, fertilizers and soil amendments, planting and plant care, lawns and lawn alternatives, invasive plants, weeds, mulches, pest management, wildlife management and disease control. For each of these areas the standards include an overview and a list of management practices that are designated as either preferred, allowed or prohibited.
Preferred practices and materials are those considered to be ecologically appropriate and in accordance with the goals of organic land care. Allowed practices and materials are acceptable when needed but should be reduced in favor of the preferred alternatives. Prohibited practices and materials are not acceptable in organic land care.
In addition to updating and revising the standards, NOFA holds a yearly course in organic land care. It certifies professional landscapers who attend and pass an examination as Accredited Organic Landscapers.
IF I WANT TO GO ORGANIC, WHAT DO I DO FIRST?
The first thing is to decide if you are going to "do-it-yourself", hire a professional or do some yourself and hire professionals for larger or more complicated projects.
CAN ANYONE DO ORGANIC LAND CARE?
In a healthy, natural landscape organic land care can be very simple. Landscapes that have been treated with chemicals on a regular basis and over-watered are harder to rehabilitate. The soils are altered and the plants become dependent on the chemicals, just as people can. Anyone can reduce the application of chemicals to their landscape, but successfully changing an addicted landscape to an organic one can be complicated and may require professional help.
ISN'T ORGANIC LAND CARE MORE EXPENSIVE?
If your landscape is chemically dependent, initially organic land care will probably be more expensive. The property will need to be analyzed to create an appropriate transitional treatment plan. There may be a large amount of organic inputs needed to rebalance soil chemistry, restore proper biology and correct the negative effects of chemical applications. However, in the long term, organic land care actually costs less, especially when environmental costs are considered. The deep root structure it creates requires less watering and applications of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are avoided. An established organic ecosystem is less susceptible to disease and the costly applications needed to treat it. It gradually becomes self-sustaining and needs fewer inputs. It requires less mowing and maintenance, making it friendlier to the environment.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I SWITCH TO ORGANIC LAND CARE
If your landscape is not chemically dependent, the transition should be fairly simple. If your plants are addicted, remember that detoxification is almost always a painful process, particularly for turfgrasses. Whether you try going "cold turkey", or gradually weaning your plants away from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and the attendant over-watering, there will be a period of time when they look less green and manicured. During this time, patience is needed; good things are going on underground as soil health is re-established and plants switch their energies to growing good roots rather than leaves. Eventually, your yard can be lush and beautiful and you will have the additional peace of mind of knowing you are not sacrificing your health or the environment for green grass.
HOW IS ORGANIC LAND CARE PUT INTO PRACTICE?
Whether by a professional landscaper or a homeowner, some practices are key to organic land care. Here are some very basic practices that should be included in any organic land care effort.
- Right plant in the right place - Plants have specific needs
in terms of soil type, sunlight, temperature, and nutrient and water
availability. When a plant is chosen to match the site, it creates
far less disturbance and requires less maintenance than when a site
is modified to fit the plant. Mismatched plants are more likely to
attract pests, develop diseases and require more water and nutrient
inputs than those that are correctly matched to their site. Using
native species when planting ecosystems (and groups of several compatible
plant species) creates a natural, low-maintenance landscape. Also,
avoid invasive species that spread beyond your yard to take over natural
ecosystems.
- Regular soil tests - The basis of an organic landscape is
healthy soil. A healthy soil is free of crusts, compaction, erosion,
pesticides, salt build-up and other toxins. It contains the proper
balance of minerals, nutrients, organic matter and other essential
components. Its native organisms are active. Soil tests are the first
step to creating healthy soils. They show exactly what nutrients and
organic materials are available to the plants in your landscape and
identify deficiencies, excesses or imbalances that can be corrected
with approved organic amendments or compost.
- Fertilizers, Soil Amendments and Compost - Many soils, especially
those that have been extensively treated with synthetic products,
will require organic inputs to regain their health. Fertilizers and
soil amendments are used to modify existing soil conditions. Organic
fertilizers and amendments feed the soil biology, benefiting the plant
and creating a healthy root system.
High quality compost is organic material that has been well-decomposed and highly aerobic. Compost is one of the best soil amendments. It provides a stable source of nutrients, beneficial organisms and organic matter, while improving soil structure, water and nutrient retention and suppressing plant diseases.
Synthetic fertilizers add salt to soils, damaging the soil structure, killing the soil biology and artificially stimulating plant growth at unsustainable levels. Unnecessary applications of ANY fertilizer or soil amendment can cause mineral nutrients to build up to excessive levels in the soil or escape to nearby waters and cause pollution problems.
- Rethink your total lawn area - Lawns, even organic ones,
are high-maintenance areas in a landscape. Limiting lawns to only
necessary areas is less costly to maintain, easier to care for and
better for the environment. Appropriate low-maintenance lawn alternatives
that may be appropriate to your site include: meadow areas of low-growing
native grasses and wildflowers, low-mow grass mixes and shade tolerant
ground covers and perennials.
When planting lawn areas, choose grass seed mixtures to match your site conditions. Make sure to include clover in the mix to provide natural nitrogen. Keep mower blades sharp and leave grass clippings on the lawn to recycle nutrients and water. Water your lawn only if an inch of rain has not fallen in the past week. Only apply compost or other soil amendments indicated as necessary by soil tests.
- Pest Management - Weeds, insects and diseases can all be managed organically. Healthy soils and plants are less prone to disease and pest problems. The key to pest control is timing. Regular monitoring of plant health can identify pest problems early. Preventive measures can eliminate many weed and pest problems before they become established. This system of monitoring and proactive treatment is called Integrated Plant Management (IPM)
HOW CAN I FIND SOMEONE TO PROVIDE ORGANIC LAND CARE?
Because there are no legal standards for organic land care, some land care services may claim to provide organic services while still using products or practices that are harmful to you and the environment. Since 2002, the NOFA Organic Land Care Committee has provided training in NOFA-standard organic practices and applications to land care professionals. Those who complete the training, pass a comprehensive examination and pledge to follow the standards are accredited by NOFA. An annual listing will be available from NOFA and posted on its websites.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IF I USE A NOFA-ACCREDITED ORGANIC LAND CARE PROFESSIONAL SUCH AS HARRINGTON'S?
Working to create an organic landscape requires a mutual commitment and understanding between the property owners and land care professional. NOFA-accredited providers have access to information on state-of-the-art organic materials and practices as well as a network of like-minded professionals to help with problem sites.
NOFA organic land care providers have a card showing their accreditation. They will evaluate your property to determine what services are required and will ask you to sign an agreement that you understand the aims of organic land care. They will provide you with a lawn sign so that you can proudly show your visitors and neighbors that your property is free of synthetic chemicals and safe for pets, children and the environment.
There may be occasions when the accredited professional and landowner will decide that extraordinary measures prohibited under NOFA standards are necessary. If this occurs, the professional and the landowner both sign a form indicating their mutual understanding of the one-time use of non-organic methods. "Emergency Non-Organic Rescue Treatments" should be rare and only undertaken as a last resort. An example would be to save the life of a valued tree from a pest that can't be adequately controlled using organic methods.
CAN A LAND CARE SERVICE PROVIDE BOTH NOFA-ACCREDITED ORGANIC AND CONVENTIONAL LAND CARE?
Yes, some businesses provide both types of service. If you choose this type of provider, make it clear that you are contracting for organic land care and that conventional chemical treatments should NOT occur on your property. Be prepared to ask questions and stay informed about what is appropriate or inappropriate in organic land care.
WHO SHOULD I CALL IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ORGANIC LAND CARE PROGRAMS?
If you have any questions or concerns about materials or services proposed for use on your property, you can contact the NOFA land care accreditation coordinator listed on the NOFA websites. The NOFA office staff can direct you as to how to reach him or her.
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ORGANIC LAND CARE STANDARDS?
Detailed information is provided in the NOFA publication, Standards for Organic Land Care: Practices for Design and Maintenance of Ecological Landscapes. Check the NOFA website www.organiclandcare.net for availability.
The NOFA Organic Land Care Committee and Harrington's Organicare will also be offering citizen education workshops at various sites. Check the websites for a scheduled class near you.