Gino Micelli is no newcomer to the landscaping business. After 15 years in conventional lawn maintenance, he knows every weed and insect known to wreak havoc in Florida’s lawns and landscapes. In 2007 he opened Earth Friendly Landscaping, dedicated to using totally organic products, electric rechargeable mowers and quiet, people-powered sweepers.

“The reason we don’t use leaf blowers isn’t because of the noise, it’s due to the fact that they’re like mini oil fires, polluting the environment with their fumes and smoke,” advises Micelli.

He assigns credit for his switch from conventional to organic landscaping to education provided by his mentor, Frank Oakes, owner of  the Food & Thought organic grocery and restaurant in Naples. “I believe that if everyone understood the truth about the damage that synthetic fertilizers and pesticides do to the environment, as I do now, no one would want these chemicals used on their lawns, particularly if they have small children and pets who play there,” says Micelli. Barefoot children and pets are especially vulnerable to toxic lawn chemicals.

This organic convert has found it challenging to convince homeowners that environmentally friendly lawn care is as effective as its conventional counterpart, but he’s not discouraged. “It’s difficult to overcome the fear tactics of many conventional companies,” notes Micelli. “They tell their customers that if they don’t use chemical fertilizers and pesticides, their lawn will be eaten by cinch bugs and they’ll have roaches in their homes. Not one word of their claims is true.”

To make his point, Micelli uses the example of the rain forest, where no one sprays fertilizers and insecticides, yet everything is green and thriving. He’s quick to bring up his consistent success with natural lawn care as well. “Plants and grass are like people who need food, water, sunlight and attention,” he advises. “We have to let nature do its part.”

He reminds land owners, “Pesticides kill good and bad bugs. Plus, all insects grow accustomed to whatever pesticides are being used; that’s why conventional companies need to keep changing the toxic chemicals they apply.”

Since he’s been on the other, more natural side of the business, where the grass is equally green and definitely more healthy, Micelli has seen fewer cinch bugs and fire ants, as well as less fungus occurring. “The necessity for commercial fertilizers and pesticides of the past is just a myth that keeps getting perpetuated,” explains Micelli. “We really don’t need them, but what we do need is to join in making a big difference by converting one lawn at a time. We need to stop the leaching of toxins into our rivers, canals, lakes and sea at the source. Our environment and our water supply will be far better for it.”

For info on Earthy Friendly Landscaping, call 239-449-8499, visit www.StopTheChemicals.com, and see ad on page 60.