What happens with insecticides and herbicides that we put on our lawns?

Any pesticides and/or herbicides not taken in by the grass are absorbed by the soil and may find their way into our water supply and surrounding water bodies. (The same is true for fertilizers). If we apply more of these products that needed, the plant will not take in any more of the chemical. Some products target certain weeds, yet we apply them across the entire yard. Thus, any chemicals applied to areas of the lawn lacking in weeds end up elsewhere.

Depending on the ingredients in these products, some move easily through the soil. Pesticide and insecticides often enter our water cycle through processes such as leaching or runoff. Leaching occurs when chemicals move or percolate through the soil. Run-off occurs when chemicals wash off the surface of the lawn or field and are carried elsewhere through precipitation or intensive watering.

Some of the commonly used chemicals found in these products are dangerous, such as 2,4-D, and have been linked to cancer. Thus, safe application of chemicals and limiting pesticide and herbicide use on lawns are both important.