Are Lawn Treatments Safe for Pets?

We know you love your lawn and want it to thrive, but not at the expense of your precious pup’s or kitty companion’s health. And we agree! Many clients ask, “Is this lawn treatment safe for my pet?” The honest answer is that it depends on the type of treatment. We always consider your lifestyle and schedule when designing a lawn care plan for you. Still, while some treatments are organic and naturally based, they may include chemicals that aren’t safe for pets to come into contact with.

Our lawn care professionals always want to protect your smallest and furriest family members while keeping your grass healthy. So, it’s important to stay informed. Luckily, we have some knowledge to impart to ensure you get the right lawn treatment for your needs and your pet's safety. That's why customers continue to choose us for landscaping in Gettysburg, PA.

How Do Some Lawn Treatments Impact Animals?

Animals love being outside; that’s a given. They’re also extremely curious and can’t help but get into things they’re not supposed to. Unless you have time to watch your pet 24 hours a day, chances are they will dig up, sniff, roll around in, and possibly eat grass at some point. If you just recently had a pesticide or herbicide sprayed, it could make your animal sick.

Some grass treatments include chemicals that could cause:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Body tremors
• Seizures

With that said, you can purchase organic and natural fertilizers and weed control products or make them yourself. In fact, our Gettysburg team offers organic and hybrid grass treatments that fortify your lawn and protect it from pesky invaders like grass-eating insects and invasive weeds.

Non-Toxic Weed Control Products That Are Safe for Pets

You don’t have to invest in expensive solutions to eliminate weeds or keep them from taking over your flower beds. While we have many weed control products available, we know it’s sometimes easier to use items found in your home.

DIY weed control solutions can be as simple as mixing water with natural products straight out of your pantry. Try the non-toxic weed-control recipes below to protect all your four-legged friends from illness and your grass from potential invaders.

Cornmeal

If you’re a cornbread-lover, chances are you have cornmeal in your home right now. Did you know that cornmeal can be an effective weed killer when applied at the right time? You can sprinkle cornmeal on weeds that have yet to sprout, or annual weeds that you know will rear their ugly head seasonally. Unfortunately, this is only a temporary remedy for weeds, lasting around 5 to 6 weeks. So, it’ll need to be completed frequently or in tandem with another weed control strategy, such as pre- and post-emergent. Remember, this method won’t work on weeds with strong and established root systems.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another natural, pet-safe broad-leaf weed killer you probably already own. This product is effective at helping control weeds because it contains acetic acid. The downside to using apple cider vinegar is that it could negatively affect your soil. We always recommend testing a small thatch of weeds first to see how it reacts before you spray an entire area.

Apply your apple cider vinegar without diluting it with water to give it full strength. To ensure you destroy the weed’s root system, mix your vinegar solution with table salt and spray the weed-infested area generously.

Dish Soap & Water

Believe it or not. Dish soap does more than just keep your dishes clean and disinfected. It can be a useful weed killer when applied correctly. Typically, 2 cups of water and 1 cup of dish soap is enough to take care of persistent weeds. However, you don’t want to overspray, as this mixture can damage plants unintentionally. The best time to spray this solution is on a sunny day so UV rays can aid the dish soap in drying out the weeds.

The Grounds Guys of Gettysburg Offers Safe Grass Treatments for Everyone in Your Family!

If you’re concerned about using harsh chemicals on your lawn, you can trust The Grounds Guys of Gettysburg to ensure your grass is safe for everyone in your family. We have various weed control and grass treatment options, including our organic and hybrid lawn programs.

With our organic program, you avoid traditional chemically infused weed control and grass treatments. This customized plan includes extremely safe products for people, pets, and our ecosystem. You get sustainable weed control results without worry. Similarly, our hybrid plan utilizes some conventional weed-killing elements that are still safe yet effective.