I have been hand-picking weeds out of my lawn as I am sensitive to the environment. I want to know if sprinkling dry laundry detergent on the lawn and watering it down will kill the rest of the grass on the lawn?
A.
If you are sensitive to the environment, why would you sprinkle a chemical-like detergent on your lawn? Imagine those poor, defenseless earthworms screaming in pain as you pour detergent on them. Depending upon the type of detergent, being in a concentrated dry form, it will be either highly alkaline or acidic. What you are looking for is a diluted version that is high in phosphorus and potassium, since the grass thrives on these natural elements.Next time you look at a bag of fertilizer, check the three numbers, such as 10-20-10, etc. These represent nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, in that order. Unless you want a really clean lawn, it is best to use fertilizers, even organic ones.If you must use detergent, it must be used in moderation. It is better to put the detergent in a garden spray applicator attached to your hose so that the spray is diluted. Otherwise, you will burn the grass away in patches which look terrible and cause landscapers to drive by, pointing and laughing at your lawn's sad appearance.
Q.
Channel 25 WNYE recently ran a short piece on the exorbitant level of poison in wood-treatment products, especially for utility poles. I believe the worst culprit was tetrachlorene (or something which sounds like it). That got me thinking because our 50-year-old flooring badly needs to be refinished, and I would like to use non-toxic products if possible. Need we be afraid of sanding the floors and coating them with polyurethane? Or would it be better to sand, stain and varnish?
A.
Your concern with poisonous products is legitimate since some wood preservatives are quite dangerous. Most of these products are used for extreme exterior applications and it will soon be impossible to purchase the more dangerous types of lumber or treatments.Information about specific materials is more involved than I am able to advise you about in a short news column. Most of the major culprits are petroleum- or chloride-based products that are either dangerous for skin contact or inhaling. You need to focus on the less harmful, low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and look for water-based urethane and stain products. These products have gained in popularity because of the end to more hazardous materials, so you should be able to find them in a well-stocked paint store.As for sanding, either leave it to a professional or at least use the type of machine that has a vacuum and HEPA filter attachment while wearing a certified HEPA mask and a head covering, like a towel, football helmet, etc. You will look like an astronaut, but at least you will not be as choked-up about it as I was. Varnish alone will not suitably protect the floor. The urethanes are much more durable. Best of luck!Readers are encouraged to send questions to: HERALD Homes 379 Central Avenue, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559Attn: Monte Leeper, Architect.
