| |
Organic vs Conventional
At Nature First, our preference is to use chemicals that are less harmful to the environment and organic where needed. However, while “organic” is a contemporary buzzword in supermarkets and agricultural circles, it’s not always the best way to treat a landscape problem. In addition to the fact that organic pesticides cost more than conventional ones, they’re not always “more environmentally-friendly”. For example, there’s dolomite, a commonly-used organic treatment, but it has its downside - it’s carcinogenic (a cancer-causing agent).
Just because a pesticide is organic doesn’t mean that it’s safe for the environment. Using a botanical pyrethroid, a non-synthetic chemical which is the by-product of a plant, sounds all good and natural, but it’s also highly toxic to bees and other beneficial insects. In other words, what seems preferential for certain things may not be safe for anything else.
Because we are good stewards of the ecosystems in your yard, we look at all the variables in your landscape in order to determine the best approach. Oftentimes, we get the first call when a problem has already gotten out of control. To regain control, we begin with a conventional pesticide to restore long-term plant health. Since plant stresses always attract insects and disease, we want to remove the underlying stress and convert your yard to a low maintenance landscape with no need for chemicals. Any future treatments may involve only organics.
Our chemical list is primarily non-carcinogenic. In California, the most highly regulated state in the nation, you can rest assured that approved chemicals are safe and beneficial as long as they’re used properly. Our technician holds a Qualified Applicators License and works closely with state and county agricultural advisors to stay abreast of the latest research.
|
|
