Warmer weather means more pesky insects we need to avoid, including ticks. Tick bites have been on the rise in recent years and there are a number of factors that likely contribute to this.

Ticks thrive best in warmer conditions, so increasing temperatures, both in the summer and winter, may result in a greater number of ticks and tick bites, said Matthew Aardema, an assistant professor of biology at Montclair State University.

Growing deer populations in certain parts of the country have also likely led to a greater number of ticks. And a larger proportion of people spending time outdoors engaged in activities like hiking or gardening, which have become popular pandemic era de-stressors, is another contributor to the increase in tick bites.

An increase in tick encounters can cause things like Lyme disease, which is also on the rise. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 47,743 cases of tick-borne diseases. In 2019, the number rose to 50,865.

David Claborn, director of the Master of Public Health program at Missouri State University, said that in recent years, experts have been able to detect even more tick-borne diseases that were likely misdiagnosed in the past.

For instance, in the southwest Missouri region, two viral diseases have been identified in the last 15 years: the heartland virus and the bourbon virus, he said. These are not necessarily new viruses; we just know what to look for now and have sophisticated tools with which to identify them.

So how should you avoid tick bites, and what should you know about ticks in general? Heres a guide.

Where are ticks usually found?

Ticks are found nearly everywhere with the exception of high mountains; however, they are most likely to be in areas with heavy brush and tall grass, Claborn said.

They are especially abundant, he added, in ecotones, which are transitional areas from one dominant vegetation to another. For instance, the ecotone between heavily wooded areas to open meadow are particularly prime areas.

How can you tell if there are ticks in your area?

If you dont already experience it firsthand by seeing them on your companion animals, family or yourself, there are a couple of resources, said Jean Tsao, an associate professor in Michigan State Universitys Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

She directs people to the CDCs Regions where ticks live website for a breakdown of the different types of ticks and where they are most prevalent.

If you live in a state that has active tick surveillance, your state health departments website might have more detailed information, too, Tsao added. And this CDC page has maps for certain tick species, as well the risks of exposure to ticks infected with the Lyme disease bacteria.

Tick Encounter also provides information about ticks, and has a Tick Finder Map where people can submit photos of ticks in their region and share which varieties might be active in their geographic region at a particular time.

Experts are IDing the photos and collating the information, so its reliable, Tsao said.

Noel Hendrickson via Getty Images

How do you prevent tick bites?

There are a few methods you should practice. First, Aardema suggested wearing pants and socks that cover the ankles and lower legs when hiking outside.

When practical, pant legs can be tucked into the socks to prevent ticks gaining access to the skin, he explained. However, this may mean that ticks will try crawling higher up the body.

Opt for lighter-colored clothing, which makes it easier to see ticks before they start biting. And dont forget your insect repellent.

Apply a bug spray with at least 25% DEET to your clothing, especially the shoes and pant legs, said Aardema, who noted that non-DEET products have not been shown to be effective at preventing tick bites.

A tick searching for a place to bite is much easier to remove than a tick that has already started feeding, so check for ticks frequently during hikes or whenever spending an extended amount of time outdoors, Aardema added.

And after spending any time outside in tick-prone areas, you should thoroughly check for ticks on your body. Aardema said to do this even in the winter, if temperatures are above freezing.

Its important to inspect all areas of your body, including the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, in the groin area, inside the belly button and behind the knees, added Jeannie Kenkare, chief medical officer at PhysicalOne Urgent Care. Take a shower if possible to help remove any ticks that have not yet latched on, she said.

Your dog or cat may also carry ticks in from the outdoors, even if they wear a flea and tick collar. Rachel Rubin, co-lead of the Cook County Department of Public Health in Illinois, said to run your fingers through your pets fur with gentle pressure to feel for any small bumps. Look in and around the ears, under the collar, between their legs, toes and around the tail.

You can also perform some maintenance in your yard to minimize your chances of tick encounters. Karen Reardon, VP of Public Affairs with RISE a national trade association dedicated to specialty pesticides and fertilizers recommended removing leaves, brush and weeds and trimming shrubs and trees around the perimeter of your home and edge of your lawn.

Use pesticides around your homes perimeter and as a targeted barrier treatment, she said. You can also hire a professional to treat your yard with an effective insect repellent, she added.

How can you tell if you have a tick bite?

A tick bite might go unnoticed if the tick is no longer attached and if it does not cause any immunological reaction, like if the area is not itchy or does not cause a rash.

Tick bites generally are not itchy and do not cause rashes on their own, but if some people have been bitten by ticks in the past, their bodies might mount an immune response to the salivary proteins of a tick bite because the immune system has seen those proteins before and has created antibodies, Tsao said. So, the bite site might be itchy and there might be redness, just as they might to a mosquito bite.

If the tick transmits a pathogen such as the Lyme disease bacterium, there may be a circular rash, which is also described as a bulls-eye rash that grows from the tick bite. Tsao said that if an American dog tick or a Gulf Coast tick transmits a spotted fever to you, you might have a different kind of rash.

VioletaStoimenova via Getty Images

Should you remove a tick if its embedded into your skin?

Tsao said yes, you should always remove a tick thats biting you. If the tick is infected, the longer its attached, the higher the probability that it will transmit the pathogen to you, she explained. And the sooner you remove the tick, the greater the chance that you will prevent transmission.

To remove a tick, Tsao said to use a fine-tipped pair of tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Then, pull up on the tick with even steady motion (without twisting or rapid movements).

If small parts of the tick break off and remain in the skin remove them if easily removed, but otherwise just leave it alone and the body will push it out over time, she said. Try not to squeeze the body of the tick as you grasp it, as this could make it more likely for the tick to infect you.

And stay away from other DIY removal strategies. We often hear of people using petroleum jelly or matches to kill the tick while it is attached to the skin. This is not effective and may of course cause much more harm to the skin, said Andrew S. Handel, an assistant professor of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Childrens Hospital.

After removing the tick, Tsao said to wash the area with soap and water or alcohol. She suggested saving the tick so that if you do become sick, it can be used for identification by the physician to determine the course of diagnosis and treatment. This can be especially important, as different tick species transmit different pathogens. Take clear photos of the tick and send them to Tick App or Tick Spotters to have experts ID the tick for you.

What should you do after a tick bite?

If you have removed a tick, Kenkare said its important to monitor for symptoms for at least two weeks.

The most common symptoms of illness related to tick bites include fever or chills, fatigue and body aches, she said. A rash is also a sign that you should seek out medical treatment.

Additionally, the site of a bite can become infected, so watch for any redness, swelling or increasing pain. If you develop any of these symptoms after a tick bite, you should immediately seek out medical care from your primary care or from your local urgent care, Kenkare said.

While Lyme disease is the most common infection transmitted by ticks, there are other illnesses that can also come from tick bacteria. These illnesses often present with similar symptoms including fever, fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting and all require medical attention, Kenkare explained.

But just because youve been bitten, it doesnt necessarily mean youre infected. While tick bites are always concerning to me as an urgent care physician, its important to remember that not all ticks carry disease, Kenkare said. A medical professional can thoroughly examine the bite, the story and the conditions surrounding it to determine if any further testing or treatment is needed.

More here:
What You Need To Know About Ticks, From Preventing Them To Treating Bites - HuffPost

August is nearly upon us, so heres your to-do list.

Theres still time to plant portulaca, purslane, marigold, zinnia, copper canyon daisy, caladiums and ornamental grasses for immediate color. Many great types of salvia are available. Use spider lilies, fall crocus, fall amaryllis, mums and asters for later flowers.

Plant fall vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, cabbage, kale, radishes, turnips, carrots and green onions.

Plant buffalo and Bermuda grasses by seed or sod. Plant St. Augustine and zoysia by solid sod.

Use horseherb, liriope, ophiopogon, Persian ivy and other ground covers in shady areas where turf is struggling. Wildflower seeds are better planted now than in the fall.

Prune declining flowering plants to encourage more blooms. Its an excellent time to prune trees and shrubs since they can heal and start growing better in the summer than in fall or winter. No flush cuts or pruning paints, please.

Foliar feed all plantings with Garrett Juice or compost tea. Also drench the soil of any new or struggling plants. Apply the Sick Tree Treatment to any stressed woody plants.

Water deeply and as infrequently as possible. Your garden and landscape will usually need more water this month. Potted plants and hanging baskets need water daily. Lava sand broadcast freely will greatly help hold moisture and reduce watering needs.

The best pest control results from planting adapted plants, maintaining healthy soil and avoiding high-nitrogen fertilizers and toxic chemical pesticides. This simple approach protects the beneficial microbes and insects so that destructive pests are rare.

For the few pests that do show up, first spray with non-killing repellents such as garlic and garlic pepper tea. If that doesnt stop them all, move to the lowest toxicity killing organic pesticides such as orange oil, spinosad and quality neem products. Add an ounce of liquid molasses to any of the liquid products per gallon to make them more effective and last longer.

Apply beneficial nematodes for grubworms and other soil pests. Spray orange oil for chinch bugs. Do not use pyrethrum products for these or any other pests. Apply dry molasses to the entire site for fire ants. Spray Bt or spinosad products for any caterpillars chewing foliage.

Whole ground cornmeal applications stop all the lawn fungal diseases brown patch, gray leaf spot, take-all patch, etc. Use at about 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Hydrogen peroxide can help with various diseases and control algae in ponds and water features. See the specifics on dirtdoctor.com.

Garlic, cedar oil, liquid Bti and oil of eucalyptus products sprayed in an alternating sequence give the best control of mosquitoes.

Mow weekly, and leave clippings on the lawn. Spray noxious weeds with 20% vinegar with 1 ounce of molasses added per gallon. Carefully spot spray in beds and turf. This also works to control suckers on the bases of trees and other woody plants.

Link:
August is the time to plant fall vegetables, color and more - The Dallas Morning News

Of the more than 750 Irish Water treatment plants across the country, 70 are in a drought or at the risk of drought with the majority of these in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Wexford and Donegal.

Irish Water, which produces 1.7bn litres of drinking water every day, says that there has been no impact to many customers living in these counties, however, there are "targeted night-time restrictions" to ensure supplies during the day.

With recent high temperatures, the demand for treated drinking water has increased, particularly in tourist and coastal areas.

The utility says it is working closely with local authorities to maximise the amount of clean drinking water and make sure it is available to all customers.

Tom Cuddy, Head of Asset Operations with Irish Water said the unusual weather of 2021 has put pressure on areas that are reliant on groundwater sources.

Irish Water is continuing to urge the public to conserve water to ensure a consistent supply for all during this busy time. Demand for drinking water has increased significantly in many supplies across Kilkenny. Learn more https://t.co/G4Gp9W0biL. pic.twitter.com/N3zXvjL6gi

"While we saw more rain than usual in May it followed one of the driest Aprils on record and in some areas of the country we have had little or no rain since early June," he said.

"Over the past seven days, there has been less than 1mm across the country and some stations in the Dublin area reporting 0mm."

Mr Cuddy added: "While temperatures are expected to drop next week, longer-term forecasts predict drier than normal conditions will continue into August.

Irish Water says there are currently no plans to implement a water conservation order as the majority of water treatment plants continue to provide unrestricted water supplies.

However, in an effort to conserve water supplies and avoid unnecessary usage, the public is being urged not to use garden hoses or pressure washers and not to use paddling pools in an effort to conserve water.

Irish Water says small changes can have lasting results including:

Go here to see the original:
Night-time restrictions in place as 70 Irish Water treatment plants at risk of drought - Irish Examiner

Food scraps: What to do?

Wondering whats the least environmentally harmful way to handle your kitchen scraps?

Backyard composting is the best, according to the city of Madison recycling program.

For those without the time, space or expertise, there are private curbside composting services.

Derek Fry, owner of Curbside Composter, said most of his customers tried composting before signing up for his weekly pickup service, which costs $336 a year.

"They dont want mice in their yards anymore," Fry said.

Have a garbage disposal? You could put it down the drain, said Michael Keleman, manager of environmental engineering for Racine-based manufacturer InSinkErator, which commissioned an academic study that found food waste can enhance the sewage treatment process while generating methane that can be captured for reuse.

By sending it to the treatment plant youre not only making fertilizer, youre also making energy, Keleman said.

Not so fast, cautions Kathy Lake, pollution prevention manager for the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, who warns that grease and fats can clog your pipes, while grit such as egg shells requires a lot of water to transport and can be hard on pumps and other equipment.

You have to be very careful with what you put in the sewer system, Lake said. A little bit is OK, but its not something we would promote as the go-to solution.

And while the Nine Springs treatment plant does capture methane to power its own operations, any excess is burned off.

In Dane County, where landfill gas is captured, cleaned and sold as renewable fuel, the most sustainable approach may actually be to put it in the trash, said James Tinjum, an expert in waste and energy at UW-Madison. The best thing to do is just manage it at the large-scale basis at the landfill.

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With clock ticking on Dane County landfill, focus turns to reducing food waste - Madison.com

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (BBB) -- A beautiful lawn can be both appealing and environmentally friendly, but it can take a lot of work and be a tricky project to do yourself. Caring for a yard under the best of circumstances can still be challenging; extended periods of extreme weather, dull lawnmower blades, bugs, pests, and heavy foot traffic can all lead to a lawn that needs extra care.

Lawn care generally falls into three categories: landscaping, lawn maintenance, and sprinkler systems. Before selecting a business, evaluate your needs. Some businesses specialize in one area, while others offer a variety of services.

LANDSCAPING: Landscaping businesses design landscapes for designated areas, select the appropriate plants, and provide and install the plants.

LAWN MAINTENANCE: Services generally include mowing, edging, weeding of flower beds, treating for insect disease, weed control, trimming of shrubs, irrigation systems checks, and fertilizing.

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS/IRRIGATION: Services provided by sprinkler system businesses include design installation and general maintenance and repair. Check with your state or province to see if there are special licenses required to do this work.

There are many things that your lawn might need depending on the season. This can include pH testing, aerating the soil, fertilization, filling in bald spots, trimming back overgrowth, and planting seasonal flowers and plants. While many consumers choose to make lawn maintenance a do-it-yourself project, there are those that prefer to leave it to the professionals. Hiring a landscape contractor or lawn maintenance service gives homeowners the professional help they need.

The BBB offers the following tips when considering hiring a lawn care professional:

Read more from the original source:
BBB Tip: Finding the right landscaping and lawn care pro can save you time, money - WSIL TV

Q: What got you into lawn care?

A: My former business partner and I started in my freshman year of college, and then we just continued to grow every single year. Once I graduated from UND in the spring of 2019, we started doing snow removal that winter, and then I bought my former business partner out and now we're growing very quickly.

Q: What goes into restoring a person's lawn, starting in the early spring? What sets your company apart from others?

A: It's always good to aerate in the spring. The plugs from the aeration act as nutrients for the lawn, and they decompose into the lawn. Some people like to get all the dead thatch out of the yard by thatching, which allows more water to get down to the grass easier; water, fertilizer or anything like that. If we continue in this dry spell, it could be very tough on lawns. I would say our attention to detail. We're pretty specific about the way we leave things, and try to do the best job possible.

Q: We had a dry winter, how did snow removal go for you? Going into spring, we're in a moderate drought; does that mean you're going to have to take extra special steps to restore a lawn?

A: Having a mix of part-time contracts and seasonal contracts, it definitely wasn't as successful of a winter as we were looking for, but we'd like to think that things are going to average out over the next couple of years. It was just a dry winter. I would just recommend watering and aeration in the spring and doing everything you can to keep your lawn from being completely dried out and yellow. One nice thing about having very little snow was the lack of snow mold compared to previous winters.

Q: Are you expecting to be pretty busy this spring?

A: I would say things are going to be pretty relaxed this spring, because we're going to have a long time to do our spring cleanups. Usually we've got about a week or two weeks at end of April and early May to do our spring cleanups, but this spring, were starting off completely next Monday. Were just getting out three weeks earlier, so spring will be a little bit easier. If we get some moisture, things can get back to normal, but it's looking like it could be an interesting spring.

Q: More homes are going up in the south end of Grand Forks, so that means more potential customers, right? Is competition tough?

A: Competition is tough but as long as you do good work. We really haven't lost any customers over our years, and we really haven't advertised at all. We've had great love just from people seeing our work and noticing (it).

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An interesting spring: 5 Questions with The Grass Guys owner Charlie Churchill - Grand Forks Herald

MASHPEE Three articles set to go before voters at town meeting next month will help bring the towns long-time-coming comprehensive watershed nitrogen management plan to fruition if passed.

The Board of Selectmen voted last week to approve and recommend articles for the upcoming spring session on May 3.

If you want clean water, and you care about the future of both the environment of the community and the economic fundamentals of the community, we need to start to address the water quality problems that are relevant in our waterways, said Andrew Gottlieb, a member of the Mashpee Board of Selectmen and liaison on the Mashpee Sewer Commission.

The main article, Article 6, seeks to appropriate $54 million to fund the implementation and construction of the first phase of the towns plan to mitigate nitrogen pollution. It includes the construction of a wastewater treatment plant to be located adjacent to the towns transfer station off Ashers Path. A sewer main system that would stretch from Butler Lane and Drew Lane south to Yardarm Drive and along Route 28 and Quinaquisset Avenue is also part of the proposal.

The project represents the first phase of the towns five-phase Comprehensive Watershed Nitrogen Management Plan. In 1999, town meeting voters authorized spending $405,000 to develop the plan in order to reduce nitrogen and treat wastewater.

In June: Water quality issues top agenda at Mashpee town meeting

In August: Cape programs share in EPA watershed grants

Were ready to move forward, John Cotton, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, said during the board's March 22 meeting.

The article must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote at town meeting, and is also contingent on the passage of a Proposition 2 debt exclusion override on the ballot for the May 8 town election, which is necessary in order to protect the towns bond rating, Gottlieb said.

If all goes to plan, the project could potentially go out to bid by mid-November, Anastasia Rudenko of project engineers GHD said during a Sewer Commission meeting March 16.

Another article on the town meeting warrant related to the wastewater project would allow the town to use 2.7 acres of land on Mashpee Neck Road for the construction of a sewer substation as part of the wastewater treatment plant's infrastructure.

A third article asks if the town will vote to adopt a general bylaw to establish flow neutral regulations. It wouldmandate that parcels of property be connected to the public sewer system and eliminate any septic systems in the sewer service areas in order to reduce nitrogen pollution.

If that article is passed, it enables the town to qualify for 0% financing from the states Clean Water Trust.

The latter two articles are relevant only if the wastewater treatment plant article passes, Gottlieb said.

More: Study uncovers previously unknown PFAS contaminants in Cape watersheds

More: Curious Cape Cod: The best hiking trails in each Cape Cod town

Town officials do not anticipate net taxes to increase for Mashpee residents if the articles pass.

The annual debt service would be $156 for a property with the town average value of $498,000. But with anticipated cash flows, residents would not see any additional increase to their tax bills as a result of the project..

Funds from the Water Infrastructure Fund, local room tax, state loan principal forgiveness as well as Cape and Islands Trust loan principal forgiveness will provide enough cash flow so tax increases will not be necessary, Gottlieb said during the March 16 meeting.

Mashpees estuaries and waterways have shown significant signs of degradation over the years due to excessive inputof nitrogen from septic and wastewater treatment systems, as well as other sources such as lawn fertilizer and surface runoff.

The pollution fuels toxic algae outbreaks in bays and ponds that can make people sick and kill wildlife and pets. The outbreaks also force beaches and ponds to close, which leads to an adverse effect on tourism and the regions economy.

Santuit Pond, for example, frequently experiences cyanobacteria blooms that forceit to close during the summer.

The town, along with Barnstable, has also been threatened with a lawsuit by the Conservation Law Foundation to stop septic systems from pumping nitrogen and phosphorus pollution into local waterways. The suit calls for a temporary suspension of any new septic systems and a pause on passing inspections associated with the sale of properties in Mashpee.

We have legal obligations under state and federal law to take action to restore water quality, Gottlieb said Wednesday. The law is what the law is, and it calls for clean water.

Right now the town does not meet that standard, Gottlieb said.

If a judge finds that the town is breaking the law, and the court orders Mashpee to fix its system, the town will not be eligible for the current sources of low-interest money that it is currently eligible for, Gottlieb said.

Its not in our interest to delay this even more, Gottlieb said. If we end up in court and we lose, were going to have to fix it using our own resources.

I hate that we have to spend this kind of money, but I also hate that our rivers and estuaries continue to get polluted, A. Gregory McKelvey, a member of the Mashpee Finance Committee, said during a March 25 meeting. So we have to do something. If we dont do something, theres going to be other consequences out there.

Contact Jessica Hill at jhill@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @jess_hillyeah.

More: Town to be involved in Mashpee Commons expansion through three-party agreement

More: Dennis, Harwich delays jeopardize plans for regional wastewater plant

More: Troubled waters? Plan to discharge treated wastewater into Canal concerns Bourne residents

More: $1.2M Stewarts Creek restoration fails to prevent pollution

Original post:
Mashpee sewer construction project to go before town meeting - Cape Cod Times

With the snow cover finally melting, we can see our yards again, and Im sure many of us are thinking about gardening and lawn care. Since moving to Harvard and acquiring a lawn, I have begun reading up on what to do with the (in my case, not-so) green expanse.

According to a 2005 NASA-funded study using satellite imagerythe first, and still most widely cited such researchturfgrass lawn is the most extensive crop grown in the United States, outpacing even corn and covering about 40 million acres. Even though Id rather not think about it, I am concerned with global warming: I know that how I maintain my small patch of Americas premier crop matters to the health of current and future generations.

Like many people, I absorbed ideas about lawn care from my parents. Although I bought a gas push mower (something I wouldnt do again), I also have a predilection for keeping a natural lawn to attract insects, amphibians, and birds. Ironically, grass lawns tend to evoke a strong sense of home for many, despite the fact that they are composed of nonnative species and contribute to the demise of native birds and insects.

Recent researchincluding the Yard Futures Project, as well as a study of bees in suburban western Massachusetts published in Biological Conservation in 2018affirms that management of yards can positively contribute to ecosystem diversity even as natural habitat shrinks. I am not suggesting we do away with the grass lawn, but rather that we recognize and mitigate some of the environmental problems associated with mainstream, suburban-type lawn maintenance. I want to share a little of my reading and research on this topic, so that this spring, we consider leaving some of the synthetic chemical fertilizer on the shelf at the local home supply store.

Chemical fertilizers

Synthetic, commercial fertilizers contain water-soluble nitrogen and some phosphorus, which washes into nearby bodies of water and groundwater. Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Ch. 128, 65A, however, considerably restricts the use of phosphorus in fertilizer to comply with federal law protecting waterways. Depending on the application, the weather, and soil health, a significant portion will wash away. Applying combined fertilizer and broad-leaf herbicide, known as weed and feed, is also concerning because the timing is off: Its better to fertilize when grasses are growing, and de-weed later in the season. Weed and feed results in the over-application of herbicide, typically 2,4-D, which can harm nearby trees after just one application, according to the Wyoming State Forestry Division, and gets tracked into houses on the feet of pets and kids. It has been linked to negative health effects. Canada banned the use of weed and feed products in 2010.

Big picture effects

The water from your lawn flows into inland waterways, groundwater aquifers (affecting the quality of private well water), and, finally, out to the ocean. The EPA highlights nonpoint source pollution, to which fertilizers and pesticides from residential lawns are considered important contributors, as the largest and most difficult-to-address threat to U.S. waterways.

The Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee noted in its last annual report (August 2020) that levels of phosphorus had increased in the deeper zone of the pond. Farther afield, WBUR reports regularly on pollution in the waterways and wetlands around Cape Cod, to which fertilizer runoff makes a strong contribution. Eutrophication, the depletion of oxygen in water generally from algae growth, is produced in inland waterways and coastal waters from the imbalance of nitrates and phosphorus. This kills aquatic life and is hard to remedy, especially as temperatures of coastal waters increase. Eutrophication of coastal waters isnt just a regional issue but also generally affects U.S. coastlinesfor example, every summer a massive dead zone forms, larger than the state of Connecticut, in the Gulf of Mexico, mainly from fertilizer runoff from the Midwest.

Global warming

The use of synthetic chemical fertilizer also contributes to global warming. According to the Garden Club of America, homeowners use three million tons of fertilizer a year. For every ton of nitrogen produced for nitrogen-based fertilizer, representatives of the fertilizer industry in Europe (Fertilizer Europe) estimate that 2.5 to 4 tons of carbon are added to the atmosphere. Further, excess nitrogen not only washes off into waterways, but also, because it is water soluble, gets turned into gas and enters the atmosphere as nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that has much higher (up to 300 times) the heat-trapping potential as carbon dioxide. The EPA reported unprecedentedly high levels of nitrous oxide in 2015, due to agricultural usage.

Soil health

Soil scientist Rick Haney travels around the country warning farmers that synthetic fertilizers deplete the soil by killing the good microorganisms that should be feeding their plants, and this will contribute to erosion, as well as poor crop yield (in the case of lawns, unattractive grass that then requires more fertilizer to look OK). Too much nitrogen on your lawn exacerbates soil compaction, making runoff worse, so over time, more fertilizer goes into the watershed. Excess nitrogen can also attract grubs, which in turn attract molesand moles turn yards into a lumpy mess.

Water scarcity

The more fertilizer a lawn receives, the more water it needs, because growth is stimulated and the grass takes up more water. Also, it requires more water input to look green. Therefore, fertilizer often goes hand-in-hand with the installation of automatic sprinkler irrigation. According to the EPA, landscape irrigation makes up about one-third of all residential water usage in the U.S.equivalent to 9 billion gallons per day. Much of this water is wasted due to evaporation and runoff. Studies show that by 2050, about 50% of the worlds population will face water shortages: In the U.S., the West and Southwest are most vulnerable, but significant per capita decrease in water availability in Massachusetts has also been predicted starting in the next few decades.

Alternatives

The good news, I think, is that doing less is the best possible solution for most people! Mow less, let the grass grow higher. The grass will invest energy in growing good roots rather than stems and leaves. Good roots combat runoff and soil compaction and attract healthy nutrients back to the soil.

While I understand the attachment many people have to an emerald green lawn, there are nonsynthetic ways to make the lawn look great. Improving soil health with appropriate inputs of compost, allowing the grass clippings to stay on the lawn to cycle nutrients back into the soil, and letting fall leaves decompose back into the yard are great natural methods. (Oak leaves often take two years to compost, so homeowners may like to rake and compost them in piles before using them.)

One final, and very important, alternative is to plant appropriate native plants instead of those favored by the mainstream lawn industry. Kentucky bluegrass is not a native plant, despite its name: It was brought over as forage for livestock in the 19th century and outcompeted native grasses. This process can be witnessed in Midwestern prairies today, according to Global Rangelands (a collaboration of western land-grant universities), where Kentucky bluegrass is listed as an invasive plant in a number of states and outcompetes native prairie grasses. (Also, it seems to fare poorly in acidic soil, which is common around Harvard.)

Eco-friendly mixes of grass seed, generally a combination of tall and fine fescues, are available from a number of reputable suppliers, and require fewer inputs to grow nicely.

After all my reading and research, Ive concluded that a green lawn does not equal a green Earth. We need to get used to the way grasses look when they are dormant, and think more about the health of the ground beneath our feet.

Catherine Warner of Harvard is an avid gardener, who during her undergraduate years in Virginia worked at local greenhouses and an organic farm.

For more information

Read more:
Consider This: Why we need to forget about the perfect lawn - Harvard Press

Ariel Whitely-Noll| Special to The Capital-Journal

Crabgrass is a common lawn and garden weed, best controlled in the spring. As discussed a few weeks ago, the timing is essential for effective control of crabgrass, and products applied too early or too late in the season are wasted.

In April, typically between April 1 and 15, crabgrass pre-emergence herbicide should be applied to areas that have had crabgrass in previousyears. These products do not kill the crabgrass seedsbut rather kill the crabgrass plants just as they are emerging from the seed. This means most pre-emergent products will have no effect on existing crabgrass plants, which is why we rely on proper spring timing.

A pre-emergence applied in the late spring or summer will do nothing to stop crabgrass from invading your lawn or garden.

Due to the limited time these products are effective after application, generally around 60 days or less, there is a signal we can take from mother nature to help us ensure were applying the products at the proper time. Look for the redbuds to bloom. Eastern Redbud trees are native to Kansas and abundant in our landscapes.

When they reach full bloom, apply crabgrass preventer to ensure the product will be well timed with crabgrass germination.

As with all chemical applications, pay close attention to the product label and directions. Products that include pendimethalin (Scotts Halts) and Team (Hi-Yield Crabgrass Control) will require a follow-up application. Dimension or Barricade do not require follow-up applications.Dimension and Barricade last much longer in the environment and have a wider window of application and longer persistence in the soil, resulting in season-long control.

Dimension can also have an effect on young crabgrass plants and works favorably with tall fescue, perennial ryegrassand Kentucky bluegrass seedlings. Again, label directions should be followed. The safest schedule to prevent crabgrass pre-emergent products from affecting new lawns is to seed in the fall and apply pre-emergent for crabgrass in the spring. Dimension may also be sold under the name of its active ingredient, dithiopyr, and Barricade may be sold by its active ingredient, prodiamine.

Crabgrass preventers should be applied before fertilizer to reduce the likelihood that the grass will put on growth too early in the season. Many products combine pre-emergent and fertilizer, but the below products do not.

Barricade: Howard Johnson Crabgrass Control Plus with 0.37 Prodiamine 00-00-07.

Pendimethalin: Scotts Halts.

Team (Benefin + Trifluralin): Hi-Yield Crabgrass Control.

Dimension: Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper.

If you have not already, make sure to test your soil every three to five years and follow those recommendations for fertilizer. Oftenwe find lawns and gardens are overfertilized, which can sometimes cause issues, such asbrown patch, in lawns. For more information about soil testing, visit our website at http://www.shawnee.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/soil-testing.html.

The mention of commercial products and trade names is for educational and informational purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. Please make sure to read all product label thoroughly and follow those instructions exactly.

Ariel Whitely-Noll is the horticulture agent for Shawnee County Research and Extension. She can be reached at arielw@ksu.edu.

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Ariel Whitely-Noll: Timing is critical for crabgrass prevention. When should you act? - The Topeka Capital-Journal

A day spent working in the yard is an ideal way to pass the time on spring and summer afternoons. A pristine landscape can add value to a property and instill pride in homeowners who put a lot of thought and effort into their lawns and gardens.

A sun-soaked day can make it easy to overlook potential threats when working in a lawn or garden. But safety precautions are of the utmost necessity when working in the yard, where the risk for serious injury is considerable. For example, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that, in 2016, more than 90,000 patients, including nearly 5,000 children, were treated in hospital emergency rooms for lawn mower-related injuries.

Lawn-and garden-related injuries can be prevented without going to great lengths.

Know your terrain before mowing

Knowing the terrain in your own yard can reduce the risk for accident or injury. This can be especially important when mowing the lawn with a riding mower. Adhere to manufacturers' recommendations regarding inclines to reduce tip-over accidents that can pin riders beneath the mower. Study hilly areas of the yard prior to mowing so you know which areas are safe to mow with a riding mower and which areas are best mowed with a walk-behind mower. For greater control when using a walk-behind mower on an incline, mow parallel to the slope.

Apply and reapply sunscreen

Sunburns may not require trips to the emergency room, but they can still be serious. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) notes that sunburn is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The SCF recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to allow the sunscreen to bond to your skin. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often if you're sweating excessively. The SCF recommends broad spectrum sunscreens, which protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Though a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is acceptable when walking the dog or driving to work, the SCF advises using a product with an SPF of 30 or higher when engaging in extended outdoor activities like gardening or mowing.

Employ the buddy system

Use the buddy system when pruning tall trees or performing any tasks that require a ladder. The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP) reports that more than 164,000 people are injured each year falling off a ladder. Ask a significant other or neighbor to hold the ladder in place while you climb up to reduce your risk of falling. If cutting large branches, cut them piecemeal to reduce the risk of being injured by heavy falling branches.

Inspect the property for insect hives

The OIP notes that the most common insect stings in spring come from bees, wasps and hornets. Homeowners who are not careful can inadvertently come across hives when doing spring cleanup, making them vulnerable to bites and stings. That can be very dangerous for anyone, and especially so for people with a history of allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Inspect areas where you'll be working to make sure insects haven't put down roots in your property. If you discover any hives and are hesitant to remove them on your own, contact a local landscaping firm.

Lawn and garden accidents and injuries can be serious. Thankfully, accidents and injuries are easily prevented when homeowners take a few simple safety precautions while tending to their lawns and gardens.

Metro Creative Connection

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Stay safe when working in the yard this spring and summer - theday.com