Can we talk about what’s REALLY going on with those “perfect” lawns in our neighborhoods? You know the ones – they look like green carpet and don’t have a dandelion in sight. While they might look amazing, I’ve been learning some pretty eye-opening things about what goes into maintaining them, and I’ve got to tell you – it’s made me think differently about my own yard!
Listen, I used to be right there with everyone else, thinking that the only way to have a beautiful lawn was to spray it with all those traditional chemicals and treatments. But what if I told you that those same products that promise a picture-perfect yard might actually be causing more harm than good? And I’m not just talking about your grass – I mean for your kids, pets, and even the air you breathe when you’re enjoying your morning coffee on the patio!
Don’t worry though – this isn’t going to be one of those guilt-trip conversations! I’m actually super excited to share some amazing alternatives I’ve discovered that can give you a gorgeous lawn WITHOUT all those harsh chemicals. Because let’s be real – we all want a beautiful yard to enjoy, we just don’t want to sacrifice our family’s health to get it!
While I may have the healthiest house on the block, I’ll admit I haven’t had the prettiest lawn on the block.
Come along with me as I break down what ingredients to avoid, which brands to trust and which companies you can hire that all use organic and natural lawn care practices.
Toxins in Typical Lawn Care
As always, I want to share with you WHY typical lawn care products and companies are unsafe and harmful to your health and your family’s health. There’s nothing more powerful than being armed with knowledge while you’re either calling to find an natural lawn care company or on the hunt for the best natural lawn care products. It gives you some terms to understand and some great questions to ask while you’re doing your digging.
Pesticides: Pesticides is a rather broad term to cover a variety of chemicals that kill and prevent pests from destroying your grass, plants and foliage. Basically, there’s a slew of different types of pesticides:
- Insecticide (targets insects)
- Fungicide (targets fungi)
- Herbicides (targets weeds)
- Antimicrobials (targets bacteria)
- Acaricides (targets mides and spiers)
- Rotentidices (targets mice and other rodents)
- Repellants (targets insects, birds and mammals)
Pesticides have been around for a long time and what research is finding is that they are highly toxic. One of the biggest problems with pesticides is not only are we using them in our own homes, but they’re also in our food, on our textiles and eventually they’re ending up in our house dust. (STUDY)
With this much constant exposure to pesticides, there’s bound to be some serious health repercussions. Immediate health effects are typical: allergic response, skin irritation, headache, respiratory irritation and eye irritation. Long term effects are much more serious and detrimental to our quality of living. Repeated pesticide exposure, even at low levels, has been linked to an increased risk for leukemia, depression, ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, asthma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Insecticides: This chemical is an insecticide, which is typically used against a variety of insects and mites. It is designed so the insect or mite ingests the poisonous toxin, resulting in death. In humans, it can result in dermal rashes and discomfort (burning, itching numbness) as well as respiratory and nasal irritation, increased heart rate and gastrointestinal discomfort. Long term health effects are much more serious in nature, however. Bifenthrin is a possible human carcinogen. It has some endocrine disrupting properties that are most concerning to pregnant women and their babies. (RESEARCH).
And while insecticides of all kinds are toxic to humans, they’re also toxic to the world around us. Insecticides last in our ecosystem for long periods of time and are toxic to small mammals and aquatic life.(INFORMATION)
I fully intended to include a list of common insecticide names in this post, but you’d be scrolling for a LONG time. So, I recommend visiting this link to get a good idea of what insecticides are labeled as on packaging.
Herbicides: Herbicides are probably most commonly used in lawn care treatment as they target weeds and kill foreign plants that may choke out crops and grass. Just the same as general pesticide exposure, we’re being bombarded with herbicides in both our food and secondary in our own lawns. It also stays in our ecosystem for long periods of time and is toxic to mammals, aquatic life and bird life, affecting more than just our individual lawns and gardens.
Glyphosate: This is one of the most common herbicides that is used in lawn care and on our food products. Long term health effects in mammals (not necessarily humans) include liver and kidney damage, endocrine disruption resulting in developmental issues and reproductive issues. Possibly carcinogenic, glyphosate disrupts DNA in human cells and damages them. (STUDY) It has also been linked to shortened pregnancy in pregnant mothers. (INDIANA STUDY)
How to Find the Best Natural Lawn Care Company
So you’re ready to find a lawn care company that’s as passionate about keeping toxins away from your family as you are? I’ve totally been there, and I’ll tell you – it’s actually easier than you might think. Let me share some super helpful tips I’ve learned along the way.
First things first – don’t be shy about asking questions. A truly natural lawn care company will be SO excited to tell you about their natural solutions. Ask them straight up about what products they use and if they EVER use synthetic pesticides or herbicides (even as a backup plan). The real pros will have natural solutions for everything from weeds to grubs!
Here’s a little insider tip: look for companies that talk about soil health and not just killing weeds. The BEST natural lawn care companies understand that it’s all about building up your soil’s ecosystem – kind of like creating a tiny healthy environment right in your backyard! They should be excited to chat about things like compost tea, natural fertilizers, and how they deal with problems without reaching for the chemical sprays.
And don’t forget to ask about their certification and training. More and more companies are getting special natural lawn care certifications these days, and while it’s not everything, it’s definitely a great sign that they’re serious about natural solutions. Plus, any company worth their organic fertilizer will have references from happy customers who’ve been loving their chemical-free lawns!
Remember, finding the right company might take a little more time than just picking the first lawn service that pops up online – but your family’s health is SO worth it. Trust me, once you find that perfect natural lawn care partner, you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way!
Top Organic, Natural Lawn Care Companies
I’ve done some serious digging (pun totally intended!) to find some amazing companies that are just as committed to toxin-free lawns as we are. These are the superstar companies that have proven they can create gorgeous, healthy yards WITHOUT reaching for those nasty chemicals. And trust me, I’ve checked them out thoroughly because I know how important this is for you and your family.
Each of these companies has shown they’re the real deal when it comes to natural lawn care – we’re talking completely organic solutions, a deep understanding of soil health, and proven track records of creating beautiful, family-safe outdoor spaces. I’m SO excited to share them with you because finding a truly organic, natural lawn care company can feel like searching for a four-leaf clover in a field of grass (but don’t worry – these companies can help you grow those too, naturally!)
Here are some fantastic companies that are leading the way in organic, natural lawn care:
Lawn Doctor: Uses compost that contains fungi and bacteria to help the microbiome of your lawn. They also help your lawn by naturally stimulating natural soil life and improving root growth by building organic matter within the soil.
NaturaLawn of America: They use the philosophy: “is there a need?” Meaning, they don’t just add whatever *might* work to your lawn, but only apply what is specifically needed for your lawn.
Clean Air Lawn Care: They focus on solar powered electric mowers and add zero air pollution and noise pollution to the environment. They use natural weed control methods that are safe for local pollinators, your kids and pets. And of course they have an organic, natural fertilizer to keep your lawn looking gorgeous.
If you’re looking for the top natural lawn care companies in my home state of Minnesota, here’s the short list that we checked out for our own lawn:
Natural Lawn Care Products You Can Buy
So maybe you’re feeling ready to take on this natural lawn care journey yourself (and I’m totally here for that kind of enthusiasm)! The good news is that there are SO many amazing natural lawn care products out there now that make it super doable to create your own toxin-free yard paradise.
Listen, I know walking into a garden center or scrolling through online stores can feel overwhelming – especially when everything claims to be “natural” or “safe.” But don’t worry! I’ve tested tons of products (yes, my yard has been quite the experiment station!) and I’m excited to share the ones that ACTUALLY work and are truly safe for your family. Whether you’re looking for natural weed solutions, organic fertilizers, or that perfect grass seed, I’ve got you covered with options that’ll make both your lawn AND your conscience happy!
Here are my absolute favorite organic, natural lawn care products that have proven themselves in the real world (aka my own backyard adventures):
Sunday Lawn Care: A custom-made planning and product service for the DIYer (also the one we use and trust at our house) Their products range from grass seed to dandelion spray and hose attachment fertilizers made from natural ingredients like seaweed, molasses and soy protein. They do mix in a few synthetics, but no synthetic pesticides are ever added.
Get Lawn Bright: Another subscription box for your lawn — no joke. They work with you to find out your lawn size, what type of soil you have and your climate to determine what nutrients your lawn needs. From grass seed to lawn food and insecticides that are 100% organic, they’ll send you what your individual lawn needs.
PurelyOrganic: With a line from garden seeds to line food to weed and grub preventers, Purely Organic has so many helpful products for garden and lawn. You can purchase them at Home Depot, Amazon and other hardware stores.
EcoScraps:A totally unique company that uses compost to create lawn fertilizer, soil mixes for gardens and pots and plant food. They use sustainable materials and processes in the production of all their products and there are NO synthetic chemicals or manures used. You can purchase right off their website or at Home Depot.
Espoma: Organic, natural lawn food for every season that is completely chemical free. It does contain nitrogen, which in large amounts is not ideal, but in the small percentage they use it’s safe for for kids and pets. You can find Espoma at many big box hardware stores or online.
Natural Alternative: It’s made by NaturaLawn Services for the DIY homeowner who wants to take care of their own lawn. They offer all season lawn food as well as pest control for mosquitos and ticks. Their products are separated into seasons and climate so you can make sure you’re getting just what your lawn needs.
Natural Lawn Care DIYs
Some of the most effective solutions might already be hanging out in your kitchen cabinets. I know it might sound a little crazy that the same ingredients you use for baking cookies or making salad dressing could be lawn care superstars, but trust me – Mother Nature knows what she’s doing!
I’m about to share some totally budget-friendly, super-safe DIY solutions that have completely changed the game for my lawn (and my wallet is pretty happy about it too!). These natural alternatives are perfect for those times when you want to tackle lawn care RIGHT NOW without waiting for products to arrive or making a trip to the store. Plus, there’s something pretty satisfying about knowing exactly what you’re putting on your lawn – because if it’s safe enough to eat, it’s definitely safe enough for your grass!
Ready to turn your kitchen into a natural lawn care laboratory? Here are some amazing DIY solutions that really work:
Cornmeal: Cornmeal can help weeds from germinating. You’ll only want to use it on well established areas of your lawn. If you use it after planting new seeds it will also prevent those from germinating as well.
Epsom Salt: Because it contains magnesium and sulfur, epsom salt is a perfect additive to activate chlorophyll production in the grass. You can simply add epsom salt to a spreader and walk around the lawn with it.
Vinegar: The acidity in vinegar is enough to kick the weeds to the curb. You’ll have to be careful when applying it in grass, however, because it’s so powerful it can also take a toll on your grass.
Essential Oils: Essential oils are great for preventing bugs and pests in the garden. You can dilute 30 – 50 drops of tea tree, peppermint or cedar with water and spray your lawn with it. Be careful with peppermint as this should not be used around pets.
Molasses: The high amounts of sugar in molasses help feed the soil microbes and in turn boosts plant health. You can purchase dried molasses flakes and sprinkle them into your lawn as a fertilizer.
This post is also a great resource when you’re looking for some toxin free lawn care tips that you can DIY at home.
What About Toxin Free Organic Turf?
So you’re thinking about artificial turf for your yard? I totally get it – the idea of a low-maintenance, always-perfect lawn is super tempting! But just like we’re careful about what goes INTO our lawns, we need to be just as mindful about what we’re putting ON them, especially when it comes to artificial turf.
You might be wondering, “Wait, isn’t all turf basically the same?” Trust me, I thought that too. But here’s the thing – not all artificial turf is created equal, and some types can actually bring MORE toxins into your outdoor space than traditional lawn care (yikes!). The good news? There are some amazing organic and non-toxic turf options out there that can give you that perfect lawn without the chemical concerns!
When you’re looking for truly safe artificial turf, here’s what you want to watch out for: First, steer clear of any turf with PFAS (those are those forever chemicals we definitely don’t want around our families). Some companies try to sneak these in as “stain-resistant coatings,” but we’re too smart for that, right? Also, keep an eye out for heavy metals – they sometimes hide in the color pigments and backing materials.
And those antimicrobial coatings that sound like they’d be great for keeping things clean? Most of them are actually just adding unnecessary chemicals to your yard. Instead, look for companies that use natural materials like zinc and processes to create their turf. The best organic turf options are using things like soy-based backing materials and natural infill alternatives that are totally safe for kids and pets to roll around on!
Think of choosing organic turf like reading the ingredient label on your food – if you can’t pronounce it or the company won’t tell you what’s in it, maybe it’s not the best choice for your family’s yard. The right organic turf company will be SUPER transparent about their materials and actually excited to tell you about their non-toxic manufacturing process.
While I’d love to give you a simple list of turf companies to check out, the artificial turf industry is constantly evolving with new materials and technologies. Instead, I’m going to arm you with a super helpful checklist of what to look for (and what questions to ask!) when you’re researching turf companies:
- Ask for a complete material safety data sheet (MSDS) for ALL components – including the backing, fibers, and infill. Any company truly committed to non-toxic turf should be happy to provide this!
- Look for companies that use:
- Bio-based or natural backing materials
- Plant-based infill options (like cork, coconut husks, or olive cores)
- Lead-free and heavy metal-free color pigments
- PFAS-free materials throughout their products
- Request test results showing their products are free from:
- VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Heavy metals
- PFAS chemicals
- Antimicrobial treatments
- Phthalates
- Ask about their manufacturing process and what steps they take to ensure their products stay toxin-free
Remember to get everything in writing and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. A truly organic turf company will be excited to share their commitment to non-toxic materials with you!
When you want to spend more time outside, remember your lawn can be both lush and beautiful as well as safe. By skipping the pesticides, you’re ensuring you and your family won’t be tracking them into your home as well. The best natural lawn care companies can help you accomplish this — or choose from the DIY products I mentioned and create your own natural lawn care routine.
