Lawn Care That is Truly.Green
In cities and towns across the country, the smell of fresh
cut grass and the hum of lawnmowers in the neighborhood are
signs that summer is in full swing. Taking pride in your own
lawn is as American as the 4th of July. While homeowners have
always sought new ways of creating lush lawn spaces, there is
an increasing emphasis on using environmentally sound methods.
This is organic lawn care in the 21st century.
We tend to think of a lush, healthy lawn in terms of how it
enhances the look of our home and our enjoyment outdoor
spaces. While the visual aspects of a healthy lawn are
impossible to ignore, it is easy to forget that our lawns are
tiny ecosystems in their own right. A healthy lawn prevents
soil erosion, filters contaminments from rainwater, and
absorbs many types of airborne pollutants. Grass is also
extremely efficient at converting carbon dioxide into oxygen.
A lawn is far more than ornamental: it is a valuable
contributor to the environment.
 Across the country, there is growing concern over
how traditional lawn care methods affect not only the health
of our family, but the greater environment around us as well.
More and more homeowners are abandoning the "ends justify the
means" approach to lawn care. Organic gardening, landscaping
and lawn care are quickly entering the mainstream.
Organic lawn care calls for a nearly complete reversal in
strategy - and not just in terms of the materials and tools
you'll use. Much of traditional lawn care focuses heavily on
treatment - reactionary steps taken to cure problems after
they arise. Organic lawn care begins with a preventative
"health care" plan. A natural, healthy lawn should be strong
enough to fight off weeds, resist lawn diseases and endure
insect attacks.
1. Natural Fertilizers
Chemical fertilizers
usually have a salt base, which causes a pH imbalance in most
soils. Chemical fertilizers have also been shown to cause
toxic buildup of nitrates, which can find its way into natural
bodies of water along with drinking water.
Organic fertilizers are made from plant, animal or mineral
sources (as opposed to synthetic sources), and deliver
nutrients that plants need much more safely. Organic brands
can be found in most gardening stores and home improvement
centers. Apply organic fertilizers into the top few inches of
soil before the growing season begins for the best results.
Organic fertilizers typically yield a less vibrant shade of
green early in the growing season as the soil's microorganisms
digest the organic nutrients, but over the course of the
season the true color of the lawn will show.
2. Mow High
Longer grass is healthier grass.
While the norm in suburbia is the lawn equivalent of the crew
cut, longer grass is more resistant to both weeds and pest
problems. The reason: longer grass has more leaf surface area
to take in sunlight, which in turn results in a deeper root
system. Longer grass also shades the soil, helping the ground
remain cool and retain moisture. Set your mower's blades
between 2.5 and 3.5 inches high to ensure a healthy lawn. For
best results, mow often, and make sure that the blades of your
mower are kept sharp.
3. Water Deep
Roots respond to the watering
techniques used on the lawn. Most lawns are watered frequently
but with too little water. Recurrent shallow watering causes
the roots to remain near the surface, which makes the grass
vulnerable during dry periods. By watering properly, you can
train the roots to extend down further into the soil.
To achieve a "deeper watering" effect, use trickle
irrigation or soaker hoses to apply about an inch of water to
the lawn. This will allow the water to soak six-eight inches
deep into the soil.
A lawn's watering needs vary according to the climate,
grass type and general health of the lawn - but realistically
no lawn needs to be watered daily. Water the lawn only when it
begins to show early signs of wilting and/or dryness. To
reduce evaporation, water in the early morning.
- Is the company licensed?
- Does the company have a good track record?
- Is the company affiliated with a professional lawn care
association?
- Do they offer a variety of pest control programs?
- Will the company educate you regarding the health of
your lawn?
- Will the company disclose what pesticides will be used,
and any potential health or environmental risks may arise
from their use?
4. Avoid Chemical
Pesticides
Like chemical fertilizers, chemical
pesticides can seep into the ground water, and growing
research indicates that use of chemical pesticides and
herbicides on home lawns may pose health risks for children,
adults and pets alike. The toxic chemicals used in pesticides
can also be unwittingly brought into the home via the soles of
shoes or pet's paws. The safest lawn is one that uses little
or no chemical pesticides.
A lawn that has been grown with natural fertilizer, longer
grass blades and deeper watering is already more resistant to
weeds and insects. Those weeds that do grow can be eliminated
with hand weeding. If the manual route sounds unappealing, a
natural corn-gluten herbicide applied before seeding can
safely control weeds. For organic pest control, consider
mixing garlic or hot-pepper with water to create a spray safe
for animals and humans alike. Botanical pesticides, while
still toxic, are a far less polluting alternative to synthetic
pesticides.
5. Grass-cycle
When properly dispersed across the
surface of the lawn, short grass clippings can reduce or
eliminate fertilizer needs, cut down on watering needs and
eliminate the need to dispose grass clippings and leaves.
"Grasscycling" can make turf tougher and greener, and can
prevent many common turf diseases. To be effective, use a
mulching mower. Mowing frequently will prevent the clippings
from becoming too large.
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