Why Organic?
Earthcare uses 100% organic fertilizers for lawn and landscape care. Organic fertilizers provide slow release sources of nitrogen and other nutrients. They will not leach into rivers, lake and storm sewers and are better for the environment as well as the long term health of your soil.
So it's good for the environment, is it good for my landscape?
Organic, slow release fertilizers are like a nice balanced buffet for your lawn and landscape. With organic fertilizers, plants will not receive excessive nutrients which can over-stimulate shoot growth at the expense of root growth. They receive a timed-release form of nutrition without any threat of burning.
What are the fertilizers made from and how do they work?
The fertilizers may be corn, soybean, alfalfa, bonemeal or bloodmeal-based, combined with minerals derived from various rock powders. The nutrients are first broken down by soil microbes and taken into their cell structures...
When these microbes are eaten by other microbes, the nutrients are gradually released to the plants at the proper rate and time in the season. It's how Mother Nature has always fertilized! Also, since organic fertilizers are naturally-derived, they inevitably come with trace minerals and enzymes that are important for plant growth. Scientists have identified over 50 different minerals that are needed by plants for proper growth. Many of these minerals are needed in small quantities but are essential for plant development. Organic fertilizers provide this broader spectrum of nutrition that directly mimics how natural elements in nature are recycled into new plant material.
So is there any downside to organic fertilizers?
Organic fertilizers have lower levels of nutrients per pound of material, meaning that larger amounts of material must be spread in order to provide adequate nutrition. They also tend to be more expensive. However, we believe the array of benefits provided by organic fertilizers makes this additional cost more than worth it.
Do they smell?
Earthcare uses organic fertilizers that do not have any offensive odors. You may smell hints of the fertilizer's ingredients, but in most cases, any smell will dissipate in an hour or less and we must leave lawn signs so that you will know that we stopped by!
Can my children and pets walk on the lawn immediately after application?
Yes, absolutely. Pets may want to eat the fertilizer granules and we suggest that you discourage this as the products are not technically "food grade" or recommended for consumption by pets or people.
