No more weed killer...

[Bluestream]

I went to buy some weed killer for my lawn today and found that it is no longer offered for sale. No Killex, no Weed-B-Gone, and no Weed N Feed, no nothing but natural weed killer like "corn gluton".

Any one else running into this where they live?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Nope. Plenty of rather nasty chemicals still around here, including RoundUp.

 

[Pablo]

Technically in Kingcountyistan it's illegal for anyone but a pro to apply even lawn fertilizer. Doesn't stop me. But I don't use any weed killers on the lawn.

I do a Round Up kill every so often on the periphery, well timed, properly applied ain't gonna kill no fish or make your 'nads glow.

 

[IndyIan]

I think it was last year cosmetic herbicides were banned in Ontario. Personally I'm glad, striving for the perfect lawn with pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers is an environmental disaster...

 

[SuperDave456]

They push them like Crack down here.

I've read more than one article that there are now breeds of weeds that are totally immune to Roundup.
Much like Antibiotics, when people use them too much the things grow an immunity.

I have been trying to get away from the chemicals. I have been using corn gluten for weeds, dried molasses for bugs (they dont like it), soy meal for its insoluble protein (49%), and finally Green Sand for its Iron content.
I have lived in my house for almost 1 year and it is the greenest fastest growing lawn in the neighborhood.

I had a weed problem, but the grass is choking them all out.
The only down side is that I might have to start mowing 2x a week to keep it looking nice.

 

[greenaccord02]

Heck, no. I have a garage full of horrible, unspeakable chemicals and a whole wal-mart isle full just waiting for me to run out.

 

[cp3]

Ya, it was last year. There are natural alternatives out but apparently they are a cornmeal base and have a tendency to atract birds.

 

[Shannow]

Originally Posted By: SuperDave456
I've read more than one article that there are now breeds of weeds that are totally immune to Roundup.


Mixing peanut genes into brassicas left right and centre isn't happening.

That being said, "liquid lawnmower" is sold in all sorts of packaging and applications, far removed from it's original topical wand.

Once the soil is established, the weeds go away.

Let it get out of control and they come back, as I've discovered in one yard. A propane torch applied topically helps.

 

[CivicFan]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
I went to buy some weed killer for my lawn today and found that it is no longer offered for sale. No Killex, no Weed-B-Gone, and no Weed N Feed, no nothing but natural weed killer like "corn gluton".

Any one else running into this where they live?


In Indiana we are having issues with the herbicides contaminating the drinking supplies. children conceived during the June/July months have a higher chances of developmental issues.

The biggest reason for the contamination is the runoff from the corn fields where things like Roundup are used to kill anything but the genetically modified corn which is resistant to Roundup.

But residential lawns are a source of herbicide/pesticide runoff into the water supplies. But we are not a very progressive state so the health issues will continue until something is done federally.

 

[Samilcar]

I think Atrazine would be the herbicide that would be responsible for drinking water contamination from farm field run-off. Round-up is much less persistent (degrades faster) than the older Atrazine. Because it is cheap, farmers still use tons of Atrazine, even though it shows up in drinking water supplies and has been shown to be reducing amphibian populations in wetlands.

 

[Samilcar]

Bluestream, it looks like Ontario passed something called a Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Act one year ago. Herbicides are not allowed for homeowners unless used on poison ivy or invasive species.

 

[Pesca]

Yes, bluestream, but it seems we showed you the bad example again:

Quebec banned pesticides and herbicides few years ago (so we had to come to see you to get some ;-PP), but now you followed through.

So now, we will have to go south to get some, but now we have a boarder to go through, won't be as easy.

This year, we are invaded with dandelions. I don't know if this is the result of this ban or the early warn weather... but my neighbor who still use illegal pesticides don't have any of them.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Actually there are some good alternatives to herbicides, cultural control of the weed by setting mowing hieght) if yoiu have weeds you want to selectively remove you can pull them and start a compost pile or use 20% vineger solution mixed with Mollassess and orange oil on a warm day, it is not selective so only spray what you want dead!

 

[dkryan]

I've used corn gluten meal for years as a pre-emergent and it works fairly well. It's not perfect and the more you apply (I use about 20 lbs. per 1000 square feet), the better it is at controlling weeds.

You have to accept that there will be some weeds. Not a yard-full like some neighbors, but the occasional weed on a regular basis is easily remedied through hand-pulling and keeping your grass height above 3".

Unfortunately, a lot of folks want that "18th green at Augusta" look to their lawns, hence the annual C-130 flyover with a load of Agent Orange being dumped, most of which finds its' way into the groundwater or nearby creeks, streams, etc.

For stubborn weeds, I have the FAC hold off on the Herc and I use something called "Burn Out." Nope, it's not a John Force product. It's clove oil and a couple of other "natural" goodies that work well against weeds.

However, it's non-selective, so focus on the front sight when you use it!

 

[joel95ex]

we can buy just about anything here in TX, but i have heard something about msma not being around anymore. as far as fertilizers go, the prices have gone up so much for fertilizing pastures that most people around here are using chicken manure---very cheap. I'm gonna use it on my lawn too since a 40lb bag is only 5 bucks!!! it is at 5% N.

 

[yeti]

bluestream -- golf courses and farmers (from what i've read) can still use these banned chemicals,yet residential use is verboten. it's o.k. to use on your food crops, but unsafe for your lawns. what a joke.it "appears" that the treehuggers made a deal with the hypocritical "rule makers" on this issue.
a non-selective, roundup type substitute that works well is to spray straight pickling vinegar.

 

[paulo57509]

I wouldn't have a use for any herbicides IF my freaking neighbors would at least keep their weeds under control. The neighbor on the west side of me has his backyard landscaped with milk weeds, mustard and those nasty, leathery sticker bushes.

C'mon, weeds growing higher than the lot fences is ridiculous.

 

[rjundi]

I actually live where it seriously impacts the environment if use them, about 200' away from an Estuary. Apparently the eel grass is dying off.

I see the chemical trucks dumping all sorts of stuff on neighbors pristine lawns right on the water. I also notice the smell of bad leach fields after wet days at these expensive (property) homes.

I think there should be reasonable limits on what is placed on people's private property in my area.

 

[rshaw125]

Just be quiet do as you're told. The government knows what is best for you.

 

[Shannow]

And private industry, who traditionally display sunshine shining out rose' butts, and deny consequences until well beyond they are widely known are looking out for you ?

LOL