Cat Lover Gifts World Newsletter
Newsletter for Cat Lovers January 2007 vol. 2 no. 1
Cat news from
This kit contains grass seed, mulch and water-maximizing polymers to repair your lawn quickly
Contains natural enzymes to speed up the breakdown of pet urine and return grass to its natural green color
Naturally repellent essential oils
will train pets to dig somewhere else
Find high quality food for your cat
Coming soon...
Spring Weather
Outdoor Cat Play
and... Lawn Fertilizer
It might seem to be a little soon to start thinking about any fertilizing of your lawn. But, I have a feeling that for many the topic is going to be raised and now would be a good time to start doing some research. It's pretty obvious that harsh chemicals used to create and preserve lawns and gardens are not healthy for cats, other pets or kids, either. Those who have always used strong, toxic chemicals to get a nice green lawn will have to be convinced of the effectiveness of natural, organic pet-safe (and people-safe) fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides that will result in the kind of weed control and lush, pest-free lawn so many crave.
Let there be no doubt... the look and feel of a soft carpet of grass between my toes is an open invitation to tossing all of life's troubles to the side, grabbing the hand of the one most precious to me and running off in a paradisical state of happiness. As if it were all that easy. So, let's be practical here. If your home has pets or children they are most likely the ones who will be spending the most time in & on your lawn. It's their health and safety that needs to be thought of first. You, of course may want to enjoy the lawn as well, but, you're probably working hard to pay for it and don't get to play in it very often.
There are larger environmental concerns, too. Farmers may use chemical fertilizers to increase the production yield of crops. Nitrogen fertilizer washing from farms into surface waters promotes over-growth of aquatic vegetation, which degrades water quality affecting fish and wildlife habitats, and can cause eutrophication (the process by which a body of water becomes enriched in dissolved nutrients (as phosphates) that stimulate the growth of aquatic plant life usually resulting in the depletion of dissolved oxygen - Merriam-Webster). Now, think of thousands of homeowners doing the same thing, albeit on a smaller individual scale. Combined, these homeowners will be adding in a huge way to a problem already made big by farming. Further, the use of inorganic nitrogen (chemical fertilizer) suppresses nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria, making everyone, farmers and homeowners, increasingly dependant on more artificial fertilizer. The spiral goes downward from there.
But, we're not going to try to 'save the world', here. Let's just look at better ways to get a nice lush, green, weed free lawn. A possible side effect might then be 'saving the world'.
Organic based fertilizers means all of the ingredients in a fertilizer are derived from natural sources, and do not contain manure or sewage sludge. Natural ingredients are animal proteins such as feather, bone, meat, fish, poultry and blood meals. These meals contain essential natural amino acids, chelated secondary elements, vitamins and enzymes. The all-natural ingredients increases the number of microbes found in the soil as well as provide the basic nutrients needed for healthy plant growth. Which means that organic fertilizers actually feed the soil, not just the plant. The fertilizer provides nutrients to the soil, which in turn feeds the roots of the plant, thus producing a healthier lawn or garden. Organic matter holds water, as well as nutrients. This results in fewer applications of fertilizer and can reduce the need for watering, especially during the high stress summer months. Growth fertilizers with a high nitrogen content and low phosphorous and potassium content promote shoot growth, but, are virtually ineffective in supporting root development or general plant health. And to emphasize root development, and sustainable long term plant health, use a natural fertilizer containing trace elements such as iron, magnesium and zinc, etc.
As for weed control problems, organic products do not contain chemicals used to kill weeds. Instead, weeds are naturally controlled as the lawn thickens, a result of a turf building program designed on the concept of promoting healthy plant growth. If weeds are a concern, use a "spot" treatment program, in which the weed killer is applied directly to the affected area only. The thick root system of a healthy lawn will allow no or very little invasion of weed seedlings to sprout or grow.
If the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides is opted for, use some discretion. For example:
- Do not let your pet (or children) to be present when using such products. If the chemical is a liquid, let it dry thoroughly, say, overnight before allowing anyone back in the yard. If you use powders... let the dust settle and water it down.
- Do not leave food or water out when applying chemicals. Food bowls and water bowls should be removed from the area before any application. Even birdbaths or any feeders in the area should be removed. If any of the above are exposed, throw them away or CLEAN THOROUGHLY with soap and water, then rinse WELL.
- READ the application instructions completely. DO NOT OVER USE. Not only is overuse wasteful, but the excess residue can be picked up when the lawn is used for rolling in by cats and kids. It can also be ingested inadvertently during play where open-mouthed laughter is a requirement.
- Spot use is most effective and safer for kids and pets. Blanket coverage is just plain over-kill and is the lazy man's way of trying to control a problem. In reality, blanket coverage really controls nothing and puts everyone in jeopardy.
As for those unsightly browns spots on the lawn caused by dog or cat urine, there's not a lot you can do. It's a result of a high concentration of nitrogen in the urine, of usually dogs. Training pets to use a specified area of your property, far from the house, is one way to deal with this problem. Adjusting their diet is another way to address the situation, but should only be done so in consultation with your veterinarian. But, here are a few suggestions for reducing the brown spot problem:
- Feed pets food that does not exceed the protein requirements for you pet. High quality foods have more digestible protein sources that are more completely utilized by a pet and create less nitrogenous waste in the urine.
- Run out to where the urination just occurred and water it down with a hose. That'll reduce the nitrogen content in the spot. Geeez!
- Provide plenty of water for drinking. Diluting the urine before it is released will help lower the relative nitrogen content.
- Reduce the stress on your lawn by not over- or under-fertilizing and by providing frequent watering. Maintain a healthy lawn.
- There are supplements available which will bind and neutralize the nitrogen content in your pet's urine waste. Consult with your veterinarian about such products.
Organic Fertilizer, Pesticide & Herbicide Resources:
http://www.ecochem.com/t_lawncare.html
http://www.vegsource.com/articles/parkinsons_pesticide.htm
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/488
http://www.greatlandscapingideas.com/naturallawns.html
See you next time.
Robert J Gallegos
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Kitties (and Kids) love to romp
in the grass
You know, weeds aren't usually allowed in this yard
How many times do I have to
tell you... don't pee on the grass!!!
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