Letter: Chemicals less noxious than weeds

I have to disagree with Good Neighbor Iowa because of the unique situation affecting both me and my husband ('Pay attention to science on lawn care,” May 17). We have severe allergies, enough that we have to have our lawn mowed for us. While everyone is outside, enjoying the warm weather, we are forced to spend most of our time in our air-conditioned home, allowing ourselves specific time frames that we spend outdoors, to avoid getting sick.

Weeds are huge pollinators. We decided that we could increase our time outdoors in our own lawn by getting rid of the weeds. So, we hired a company to take care of them, and also to maintain the health of the few ornamental shrubs we do have. We have no pets and our child has grown and moved away. When grandchildren visit, we coordinate with the lawn care company to make sure our yard is safe for them.

Allowing weeds to grow in our lawn would harm us, so we ask that people take into consideration those of us who suffer from extreme allergies. For us, chemicals on our lawn are far less noxious than weeds.

Mindy Hatcher

Marion