Why go organic in your yard?

Bay Village and Westlake share an important resource. Everything a Westlake resident puts into the storm sewer system ends up somewhere in the over 120 miles of streams and creeks that meander through the city. Likewise, anything that goes into a Westlake stream ends up in a Bay Village water way and eventually into Lake Erie.  

But, you may ask, what am I putting in the storm sewer that causes pollution?

One of the biggest and perhaps most-overlooked practices is that of yard care. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides that are applied to a lawn and landscape can end up in Lake Erie. Many people don’t realize that chemical fertilizers (whether or not they contain pesticides/herbicides) are formulated to be water soluble. According to the EPA, up to 80% of this soluble fertilizer runs off into nearby water ways causing pollution. Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, are water insoluble and don’t run off like their chemical counterparts.

In Westlake a small grass roots group has formed with help from the city, called the Westlake Watershed Group. The group’s Go Green campaign is designed to educate residents and businesses alike on what they can do to help protect water quality. Using organic fertilizers for lawns and plants will earn residents or businesses a free “Go Green” yard sign (in the shape of a water droplet). This tells neighbors they are doing their part to help the environment.

So why doesn’t everyone use organic fertilizers? Many have shunned the use of organic fertilizers, weed controls and pest controls because of their perceived ineffectiveness and high cost. Recently this has changed as new affordable and effective organic products have emerged.

Corn-based fertilizers feed the lawn and help to prevent weeds like crabgrass and chickweed. A liquid garlic spray is an excellent deer and insect repellent, while natural products like molasses, vinegar and clove oil can help control tough weeds. Even The Ohio State University has started testing natural options and they have discovered a non-toxic grub control that has shown similar results to the traditional chemicals. The cost may still be somewhat higher for organics but the cost to the environment, people and pets can’t be discounted.

So the next time you are at your local garden center, ask about their organic selection of fertilizers, weed and pest controls. When you go organic you are protecting water quality, limiting people's and pets' exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and, in the process, creating healthier plants and grass.

To learn more about the Westlake Watershed Group and the Go Green campaign, contact Westlake City Hall 440-871-3300.

Dan Norris is a Certified Turfgrass Professional and lives in Westlake.