Just had an incredibly frustrating landscaper situation, bringing back very bad memories of my pest control situation ( see post # 47). As we are renting our home in CA we are using the same landscapers that the owners have used for years prior. Wen we first moved in I met with the head guy to go over what he uses on the lawns and the watering schedule. He told me they do not put anything on the lawn, definitely no chemicals. I should have known better but I trusted what he said. it was California after all–the most organic state in the nation.
Today as I brought our new puppy (sooo cute)outside to play, the boss landscaper stopped me to stay that I shouldn’t let my pets or people on lawn for 2 hours b/c they had just put weed killer down. My mouth dropped open. You did what? I told you no chemicals, blah, blah, blah i ranted on and on…..he told me he was so sorry, there were so many weeds, he must have forgotten. he told me he would tell his guys right now to stop and no more ever again. OK, maybe this was a needed reminder. A few minuted later I peeked outside. Boss was no where in site and his guys were sprinkling something on the lawn. i ran out side to see what it was. A miracle grow weed killer and fertilizer. i can’t write what came out of my mouth next.
i grabbed the bag he was getting his product out of (with his gloved hands and masked mouth mind you) and read the back. Here is what it said: “toxic to marine life. Hazardous to humans and domestic animals. If ingested call poison control, flush with water immediately if contact with skin….etc……the warnings went on and on.
I had the guy call his boss to come back, he never did. I called him myself and asked how could this happen after we had just had this conversation. He said its just fertilizer, its fine. And that’s when he lost his job.
on to my organic landscaper hunt…..in the meantime, never trust people who tell you it is natural. Your health and the health of your pets and children depends on it. I just don’t think that word holds much meaning to people yet.
Hello Michelle,
Ellen forwarded your blog and I enjoyed reading on your lawn event. Personally I only let my landscaper to do cutting and pruning because I don’t trust what they use. It is worse here when you are getting water from underground.
Keep up the good work !!!
Regards,
Justin
thank you for this support! it’s been hard finding time to write lately (new puppy takes up way too much time!) but it’s inspiring when i hear from others
We made sure our landscaper wouldn’t put any fertilizer down by making him adjust our contract price:) If we’re not paying his not laying it down. But you really do have to keep an eye on everyone. Hope all is well. Puppy is adorable.
Way to go – holding your ground! So proud of you and gives me courage to question more boldly too!
my curtain doesn’t get moldy and it dries easily. a bathroom fan helps……