NZLA Product Safety
NZLA Product Safety
Are NZLA Lawn Care Products Safe for My Family and Pets?
One of the most common questions we get asked is whether our fertilisers, weedkillers, fungicides or insecticides are safe to use around pets, kids, and the family. It’s a fair question and one we take seriously.
The short answer? Yes, they’re safe when used as directed. But like anything in the garden shed, there are some simple guidelines worth following to make sure everyone stays safe while still getting the best out of your lawn.
Foliar Fertilisers – Safe, Effective, and Easy to Use
Foliar fertilisers are applied directly to the leaf of the grass, allowing for rapid uptake by the plant. At NZLA, none of our foliar products are classified as dangerous goods. Some formulations include organic inputs, others are synthetic—but all are safe for use on residential lawns when applied as directed.
They are non-toxic to humans, pets, and animals, and don’t require any complex safety protocols on the labels.
Best Practice
We recommend keeping children and pets off the lawn until the surface is completely dry.
This is not due to any danger posed by the product itself, but simply a cautious approach we, and most companies, take to ensure optimal absorption.
Wet grass and paws don’t mix well with foliar products. Moisture can dilute the application, and paws may transfer product residue onto hard surfaces—potentially causing stains on decks, concrete, or indoor flooring.
Once dry, the lawn can be used as normal.
Safe Handling Tips
Mix and apply in a well-ventilated area.
Store any remaining product securely, out of reach of children and animals.
Wash hands thoroughly after use, especially before eating or drinking.
Herbicides, Fungicides & Insecticides – Know What You’re Using
These types of products tend to be a bit stronger than your everyday fertiliser—and they’re regulated accordingly.
Every chemical product sold through NZLA has an EPA-approved label that outlines exactly how to use it safely. That includes things like:
How much to apply
What PPE (personal protective equipment) to wear
How long to keep people and pets off the area after application
As a general rule:
It’s a good idea to keep kids and pets off treated lawns for at least 24 hours after applying insecticides, fungicides or herbicides—unless the label says otherwise.
Always read and follow the label. It’s not just good advice—it’s a legal requirement.
PPE and Label Info
Each product has its own set of safety instructions and PPE requirements—gloves, masks, long sleeves, etc. This will vary depending on what you’re applying and how. Don’t assume it’s all the same across products—read the label and you’ll be fine.
Need more detailed info? Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for every product we sell. Just flick us an email at office@newzealandlawnaddicts.com and we’ll send you a copy.
Looking Up Toxicity Information
For pet owners especially, it’s worth checking Section 11 of any product’s SDS. This section usually covers environmental and toxicity data, and can help you feel more confident about using certain products if you’re unsure.
GHS Classification – What’s Changed?
You might have noticed labels look a bit different these days. That’s because New Zealand has shifted to the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of classification and labelling of chemicals. It replaces the older HSNO system.
What does that mean for you?
Hazard warnings are now internationally standardised.
Symbols (pictograms) give clear, visual clues about any potential risks.
Labels will clearly state whether a product is considered hazardous and what precautions to take.
Key points for homeowners:
Look out for hazard pictograms like the exclamation mark (irritants) or health hazard (serious health effects).
Follow the label directions to the letter.
Wear recommended PPE and store products responsibly.
What About Granular Fertilisers?
We also get heaps of questions about slow-release granular fertilisers, especially when pets are part of the family.
Most of these fertilisers are made up of coated pellets that release nutrients gradually over time. They’re not toxic, but pets may be tempted to sniff or even eat them.
Tips for pet owners:
Apply fertiliser and give it a light watering-in if the product requires it.
Keep pets off the area for a few hours while it settles into the soil.
If your dog’s prone to eating things off the lawn, it might be worth supervising them after application or using a foliar fertiliser instead.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re keen to go a bit deeper, it’s worth looking up the active ingredients in any product you’re using. For example, our NZLA Azoxy contains 250g/L of Azoxystrobin. A quick online search will bring up detailed studies and real-world use cases, perfect if you want more than just what’s on the label.
In summary:
- Foliar fertilisers = safe for pets, kids, and humans. Just wait until dry.
- Insecticides, fungicides and herbicides = follow the label. 24 hours’ exclusion is a good rule of thumb.
- Always check SDS sheets, PPE requirements and Section 17 if you’ve got concerns.
- New GHS labels help make safety info clearer than ever.
- Granular fertilisers are pet-friendly, just be mindful straight after application.
