Columnists
Albert’s letter
I received a letter recently from Albert, who has a very important question about sod that I felt I should share an excerpt from with you.
“I have a rough area in my yard and was torn between seed, sod and hydroseeding. My friends out west call sod ‘poisonous strips of green death’ and advise against using it. Apparently, as the sod grows in the fields, it is regularly and liberally doused with huge amounts of bug-killing pesticides and insecticides. Most municipalities (HRM as well) have banned the use of these very same chemicals for residents to use on their lawns. Yet these coated sods are shipped by the truckload to the city for hundreds of new lawns, parks, etc. My friend went on to tell me that he lost his four-year-old dog to an oral cancer that his vet said probably came from chemicals on the lawn that he was exposed to. The vet said he had many cases of illnesses (respiratory diseases and cancers) that cats and dogs can get from this type of exposure. Should I be concerned?”
This is such a poignant topic right now, and I’m glad Albert brought it up. There are a few things that I do need to point out. First, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend’s dog. I completely understand your concern and fear for your own pets.
When it comes to the products used in sod production, it is true that there are companies out there that use pesticides and herbicides in the growing process to ensure a more profitable product. This is an absolute concern for both government bodies and environmental groups. Thankfully, more attention has been focused on this topic, and we are starting to see real change in the industry.
I work closely with our local sod-growing business, Willowlee, and I know that the community and the environment are very important to their team.
That said, many sod farms are starting to move toward farming methods that are significantly better for both the consumer and the planet. The key to these farms being able to compete financially with their pesticide-using counterparts is really up to the end user. When we, as consumers, ask for safer products, they become more readily available.
Personally, I am always cautious about buying from large box stores that do not know where their sod products are coming from. Instead, I prefer to work with local suppliers that bring in products from local farmers, whether it’s sod, plants or even trees.
This has a couple of very important benefits. Local sod farmers must adhere to the chemical-use practices outlined by the municipalities and provinces where they operate. Many provinces today have very strict rules and policies regarding the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture and crop production.
Secondly, and probably just as importantly, sod is a living crop. By buying local, you not only support your neighbours, but you are also getting a fresher product. When it comes to the success of sod in the yard, fresher is always better.
Hopefully, this answers Albert’s question in a way we can all benefit from. When we are making choices about our yards and gardens, those choices can have impacts that extend far beyond our property lines. Remember to do a little research and ask the right questions before making a decision about your space.
If you want your questions answered or need a little help in your garden, send your questions and pictures to support your inquiry to info@carsonarthur.com.
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