Photo by N. Bower

By Mary Marvin, Mayor of Bronxville

June 9, 2026: As the school year comes to a close and we see more of our youngsters out and about playing in yards, I thought it time to review the use of pesticides on lawns in the Village.

As you may remember, the Village Trustees banned the use of pesticides on all municipal properties well over a decade ago. Many residents followed suit but we still see a profusion of yellow pesticide warning flags throughout the Village.

As background, following World War II, U.S. chemical companies were left with large stockpiles of potent chemicals that had not been used during the war. These chemicals were subsequently repurposed into lawn treatments as manicured lawns became associated with an improved suburban lifestyle.

During this period, the Department of Agriculture, the Garden Clubs of America and the U.S. Golf Association actively promoted the ideal of the perfect lawn through initiatives such as “best lawn” contests and campaigns encouraging uniformity and expansive grass coverage.

Unfortunately, scientific studies have not kept pace with manufacturing and production, then and now. Using Roundup as an example, there is no reason to believe that because something is on a store shelf, it is safe.

Chemicals used since the late 1960s are now only being tested for toxicity and some decision just a result of government/corporate compromise. As example, those lawn flags stating the ground will be “safe” in 24 hours are not based on any scientific study, rather the result of a legislative agreement among the EPA, the large chemical companies and Congress.

Given what we now know from scientific research, the perfect lawn should not be a source of envy, rather a source of potential concern.

As a corollary, we have not had a good spring in terms of the rain that we need for our gardens and yards to thrive so many of us have had to resort to daily watering.

Given that our water is some of the most expensive in the country, it really makes financial sense, with savings reaped in a very short timeframe, to have a very efficient irrigation system to maximize water efficiency. Most eco-friendly professionals encourage the use of drip irrigation or soaker hoses which deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste from evaporation and runoff. Another option offered is to install a “smart “irrigation control program where water is dispensed based on weather conditions and soil and moisture levels.

In the garden, mulching is a very cost-effective and eco-friendly way to retain moisture in soil. Spreading a layer of organic mulch such as wood chips or straw around plants, trees and shrubs will help prevent evaporation while keeping the soil cool and also suppressing weed growth. Net result, you’ll be able to water less frequently while still providing essential hydration and nutrients.

Whether it’s mulching or converting to more shade plants, the key to conserving water is to simply water wisely. Water during the coolest parts of the day, such as early morning or evening to minimize evaporation; install a rain sensor on your sprinkler system to prevent unnecessary watering during or after rainfall and take care to angle the sprinklers correctly so they are not watering driveways or sidewalks; embrace drought tolerant plants, or consider replacing high water consuming plants with alternatives.

Native plants are well adapted to the local climate and require less water in general to thrive as they have the ability to withstand periods of drought while adding a natural indigenous beauty to our local landscape.

In addition, take advantage of the one positive of the heavy rainfall we have all come to dread by collecting rainwater in barrels or cisterns, thus having a repository of free and naturally soft water for irrigation. Sweep paved surfaces instead of hosing them down by using a broom to clean outdoor spaces.

Net net, simple adjustments to our normal routine can make the Village healthier and more sustainable and save money to boot.

Though we are currently experiencing drought-like conditions, summers in Bronxville have lately been marked by severe wind and rain events, as we witnessed last weekend.

If the weather causes you to lose power, per Con Edison protocols, our police desk cannot call in outages for individuals and conversely does not receive any information from Con Edison as to time frames for power restoration. If you experience an outage, immediately call 1-800-CONED or visit their website at www.coned.com.
Con Ed requires each individual homeowner to report an outage. Even though your neighbors reported the same outage, it does not automatically include your home. The above website is also the source for resumption times.

If the Village should receive any information from ConEd, we will convey immediately via our emergency alert system by phone, text or email. To sign up for this system go to www.villageofbronxville.com.

If power does go out, turn everything off, especially air conditioners, so if a power surge occurs, your equipment is not damaged.

Summer is also an ideal time for home repairs as the Village is less busy on many levels.  If you plan any major renovations, kindly alert your neighbors so they can adjust their outdoor plans accordingly. It is also a good time to check the conditions of your sidewalks and repair as needed. Due to rapid plant growth in the summer months, please be mindful that trees and bushes must be trimmed to allow safe passage along sidewalks as well as to maintain visibility at intersections and avoid extra screening for intruders.

For those of you staying put, our Village is particularly beautiful and peaceful this time of year offering an opportune tome to enjoy our outdoor dining, catch a first run movie or a summer sale at one of our Village businesses – all while finding a parking space!