Apple trees that are not sprayed 14 times a season will still produce some good apples with out all that work. If you choose apple varieties that are pre-World War II, these were developed prior to extensive pesticide use. There are quite a few old fashion apple varieties available that are 100 years old or older.
Most bugs don’t kill their plant host. Are you willing to put up with a little bug damage in return for not killing off beneficial bugs? Most insecticides kill all insects that they come in contact with. How will your flowers be pollinated without insects? Where will your honey come from if bees are killed along with less desirable bugs?
Many weeds that are killed with herbicides are beneficial. All weeds accumulate micro nutrients that are released when they die, some weeds are edible, others hold the soil in place, and still others act as natural bird feeders. Do you like to see birds? It’s also interesting to note that when weeds are treated with herbicide, other weeds take their place. A better way to deal with weeds is to simply cut them off with a weed whip, use the cut weeds as mulch and encourage more desirable plants in their place.
At Eco-Building & Forestry we can design your property to use little or no pesticides and still maintain the look that you like. |
