[...] truly wondered “what gives!” until my husband pointed out that we have the most natural place in the neighborhood… no chemicals, no fertilizers or pesticides, no unfriendly environments… and I think he’s [...]

If you received a door hanger, your lawn was probably treated. And I would call and complain. Not to bash Chemlawn, but sometimes they can act a little like the Kmart of lawncare. More is better, customer service and quality products aren’t that important. (Hire a high quality professional, you’ll probably pay more than Chemlawn, but you will probably get more in return.)

@Doreen
I would agree that many homeowners don’t always consider what they are doing. But I would argue that ‘most’ professionals that manage commercial properties and residential properties are highly educated in plant health care, soil and water relations, environmental stewardship, and practice financial good sense. If they don’t know how to take care of plants, environment, and their finances by not wasting product, they won’t be in business too long. (I say most professionals, because there are a few who are not so professional). Again, another reason to hire a quality landscape professional, check out http://www.landcarenetwork.org and http://www.projectevergreen.com/

That’s where people like you and me come in Doreen. You have a public voice in the world here on your page. You should be helping people to learn proper landscape maintenance that benefits the environment, the neighborhood, and the people that live in it. Not propagating the fear and non-science based myths that green grass is bad.

Thank you for your comments, I’m glad you both replied.

Gus – Agreed on all points! … and I would be REALLY concerned if those door hangers were showing up on your door! Yikes!

What I hate is walking down the sidewalk with my dog and my child and suddenly noticing the sign on the lawn that says its been treated with chemicals and to keep pets and kids off. Then I notice the little pellets of chemicals all over the sidewalk. On top of that the lawn companies have the gall to “remind” their customers to clean up overspray on the sidewalk. like that’s going to happen. They should keep the chemicals only on the lawn, if they’re going to use them at all.

On top of that, I have gotten my neighbors chemlawn “we treated your lawn today” door hangers on my house. Are they sometimes accidentally spraying my lawn?

[...] long ago I talked about an encounter with a TruGreen (ChemLawn) truck and feeling as though we were going to be asphyxiated as we drove by the chemical spray being [...]

I’m not saying pour chemicals all over everything, but use integrated pest management and best management protocols to monitor pests, control irrigation and management to maximize the health of the landscape and the health of the neighborhood. Don’t forget about economics and mental well being. Well maintained landscapes make people fell more at home and also increase property values.

Ok, that’s my 2 cents. Reduce inputs but still maintain healthy landscapes.

[...] Lawn Care Chemicals are the Wrong  Shade of Green by Mom Goes Green — Not unlike Doreen, I shudder when I see an immaculate lawn (during a 3 yr drought!) with one of those little poison warning signs in the grass. [...]