The use of herbicides in residential landscapes can have several negative ecological impacts. Firstly, many herbicides are nonselective and may harm non-target plants, including beneficial native species and pollinators like bees and butterflies. This disruption to local ecosystems can lead to a decrease in biodiversity and overall ecosystem health. Herbicide runoff from treated areas can also contaminate water sources, affecting aquatic life and potentially posing risks to human health through drinking water contamination.
Furthermore, repeated use of herbicides can contribute to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds over time. These superweeds require stronger chemicals or alternative control methods, perpetuating a cycle of escalating chemical usage with long-term environmental consequences.