Of course, genetically engineered grass raises environmental questions. Members of the American Society of Landscape Architects have petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture to stop Scotts from conducting field tests on this plant, on the grounds that releasing GE plants could have unexpected consequences. Dwarf plants could cross-pollinate with standard plants and stunt the growth of their offspring. Children and animals could eat the grass, with unknown results. Bill Scheffler, owner of Bio-Lawn care company in Naperville adds that while artificial lawn regulators may be nontoxic, they are synthetic substances, and they still unbalance the soil.
Synthetic molecules are too strong for nature to break down.
Luckily, we do not have to choose between endless labor and mindless science. Those who hope to approach lawn care from an environmental standpoint can opt to plant a number of native, low maintenance, and low-growing alternatives. For example, Prairie Nursery, a source of wildlowers and native grasses in Westfield, Wisconsin, has developed a natural no-mow grass seed. These cool-season grasses are shade tolerant, stay green all year, and because of their deep root system, are very drought resistant. They require little if any watering or fertilizing.