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Every 15 years, pesticides go under review by the EPA to retain their registration. Glyphosate has been under review and the results have been posted by the EPA. Their conclusion was not a surprise to anyone in the industry.
Unfortunately, many people are falling for the adds on TV regarding the pending lawsuits to get your share of the pie.
In our business, glyphosate is probably one of the least used products in our inventory. Glyphosate plays a giant role in agriculture. Regulatory bans on glyphosate will change farming. Here are some things to understand when you hear about these issues.
-Both Agriculture and Turf professionals utilize the IPM principal when applying products. This stands for Integrated Pest Management. When following this method of chemical use, we do things culturally, environmentally, and chemically to get the best results. The end result is always the least amount of pesticides are used. EPCOT even has a ride all about this…
-When asked, “Are you spraying RoundUp on my lawn?” the answer is “no.” RoundUp is one of many products on the market.
– RoundUp is a brand name. RoundUp has many different formulations for different purposes.
-Glyphosate is not in every herbicide.
-Glyphosate is the active ingredient that has been targetted in the cases.
-Glyphosate is the most used herbicide in agriculture. It is formulated to target invasive species in farm fields, right of ways, utility lines, and so on.
-Glyphosate has very little residual toxicity after the product is applied. This means it does not stay in the soil for very long before breaking down.
-When used according to the label and law and with proper personal protection, a handler and applicator have nothing to fear.
– Other agencies in agreement with the EPA include the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency, The Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority, The European Food Safety Authority, and the Germon Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
We have read the EPA statement and dug a little deeper into their research. The agency that has listed glyphosate as a “probable cause of cancer” has only ever listed 1 product as “likely not to cause cancer.” Every other product, food item, or thing they have tested, according to them, will probably cause cancer. According to them, we should all have cancer by now from everything.
Here is the link to the press release. In this, you will find more information about the decision. Please read and click on the additional link. You will then find a 216-page document about the research that was conducted.
The 2018 growing season has come to an end but we are still very busy preparing for 2019. We want to share some of the highlights from our year and reflect on some important things that we have learned that can make your lawn healthier for the coming season.
We are thankful for the Wabash Valley that has allowed us to serve you since 1987! Your faith in our family business means the world to us and we are always working hard to be the best we can be.
We are thankful for our great team of employees. Each one of them adds something to our organization that cannot be taken for granted. Two of our team members have made this their second career after their honorable service in the Indiana Air National Guard.
We are thankful for Dennis and Christine Bowman who had the vision in 1987 to build this business from the ground up to where it is today. As a second generation family owned and operated business, we are proud of our roots and what got us to where we are today.
We had a great year of continuing our education in the lawn care industry. We were very fortunate to attend multiple seminars throughout the year. These training included:
Real Green Users Conference (Real Green is the computer program we use that manages our invoices and customer database)
Advanced Turf Solutions Winter Education Seminar
MRTF Summer Workshop
IPLLA Summer Field Day
Green Industry Expo and Trade Show
IPLLA Winter Workshop
These educational opportunities provide us with resources and materials that we use to continue to improve our lawn care practices.
We rely on our customers communicate with us regarding any changes you notice in your lawn. Lawns also require proper cultural practices to ensure the work that we are doing gives your lawn the most benefit. Please review the following expectations and contact us if you have any questions.
Our expectations from you, the customer:
What you should expect from us, the lawn care professionals:
We are very excited to get our 2019 season underway. As new technology becomes available, we are always adding to our program to provide improved services.
Please remember that our services continue from season to season. Should you wish to cancel, change, or add to your program, please contact our office. Opting out of prepaying for the season does not indicate your intention to cancel services for the 2019 season.
We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for the many great years of business and we look forward to the many years to come.
Halfway through November and we have had our first dusting of snow for the season in the Wabash Valley. While this is not normal for this time of year for Central Indiana, we need to start thinking about preparing our lawns for winter. There are several tips that we like to share with everyone as our growing season comes to a close.
As colder temperatures begin to take hold, turf will begin to move from upward growth to nutrient storage in the roots. This change is very important as the turf is focusing its energy on survival for the winter months. Because of this, you will not have to mow your lawn as often as just a few weeks ago. Fight the temptation to mow your lawn if it truly does not need it. The turf is continuing to use every part of the leaf blade to produce energy and convert it for storage over the next few months. Take extra caution to follow our mowing recommendation of never mowing shorter than 3.5 inches. Mowing at this height ensures the plant can focus on nutrition storage.
Mowing short can help the lawn from winter turf diseases such as Snow Mold, however, the conditions for snow mold to become a problem in the Wabash Valley are very rare. Snow needs to cover the ground for at least 45 consecutive days before the disease can take hold.
Many cities and towns do a leaf collection. This may be of a benefit, however, be cautious when raking and piling leaves up by the road. These mounds of leaves, if left for a long period, can choke out the healthy grass beneath.
If you do decide to rake your leaves, be sure to limit your physical activity, take multiple breaks, and do not overwork yourself. Many of these outside chores use different muscle groups than what we use every day and it is very easy to hurt yourself.
We recommend taking the easy way out and simply mulching your leaf debris with your lawnmower. Leaf debris provides your lawn and soil with many microscopic benefits. This organic matter that goes back into your lawn will bring an added boost in nutrition that your turf will use as it continues its storage for the winter.
Mulching the leaf debris saves time and energy! Be sure that you do not lower your mowing height when mulching the leaf debris. This will only work against everything that you have done all year to maintain a healthy lawn. We also recommend that leaf debris is cleaned up as soon as possible. Do not let this debris collect on the lawn and build up as it will soon weigh down the turf and begin to cause the turf to deteriorate.
As plants begin to change their vascular movement, weed control becomes more effective in the fall. Plants will begin to move nutrients to the roots for storage for the winter. Using this information, we know that weeds also will translocate herbicide to the root system. For this reason, weeds can be easier to manage during this time of the year.
With the seasons changing, utilize a herbicide that is labeled for the turf you are treating, the target weeds you are trying to kill, and proper air and ground temperatures. Always read and follow all label instructions on any herbicide used. Wear proper personal protection equipment when mixing and making any application.
Proper fertilization during this time of year provides the turf with the necessary nutrients to boost the lawn to make it through the winter. Lawns that receive a winterizer application of fertilizer are quicker to come out of dormancy in the Spring and will show a deeper green color than lawns that are left alone. This fertilization is crucial for nutrient storage in the plant and will extend the health of the lawn from season to season.
For this section, please review to the manual for your lawn mower as it will give specific information regarding the care of your equipment. With that being said, as the season winds down, it is always good to make sure you store and maintain your lawn care tools properly as there is nothing more frustrating than having to start the next season with mechanical issues.
Gasoline can deteriorate over just a few months so be sure to utilize a fuel stabilizer. Gummed up fuel lines can damage an engine of any machine. Change the oil as recommended by the manufacturer. Sharpening the mower blades at the end of the season will ensure the first cut of next year is clean and precise. Wash all equipment and dry before storage. Clean any debris from under the deck of your lawn mower to prevent rusting. Grease all fittings and check any bearings.
Preparing your lawn for the winter does not have to be a difficult task. Continue to mow the lawn at 3.5 inches or higher. Apply fertilizer and herbicide as the timing allows to maintain health and color. Keep the lawn clean from leaf and stick debris as often as possible.
As we always say, be sure to read and follow all labels and manufacturer guidelines when applying products or working on equipment. If you are unsure, ask someone in the industry for help. Find a trusted professional and utilize services that are provided. Any company or individual that applies herbicides has to be licensed by the Office of Indiana State Chemist.
Bowman's Pro Turf, LLC. 