|
 A lush lawn is the foundation of a beautiful yard. Unfortunately, many traditional methods of lawn care use harmful chemicals and employ practices that damage the soil and mask lawn problems. They are also a major contributor to water waste, pollution, and unnecessary solid waste. Natural lawn care uses organic methods and products to create healthy, thriving soil that can withstand weeds, disease, and insects without the need for dangerous chemicals and rigorous maintenance.
Healthy soil is essential for a healthy lawn. Test the pH of your soil to see if it meets the ideal pH of 6.5 to 7; use lime if soil is too acidic or sulfur if it's too alkaline. Consider aerating to improve air and nutrient flow and encourage deep root development, especially if your have compacted or a heavy clay soil. Choose a core aerator over a spike aerator if possible and leave the "plugs" on the lawn to provide nutrients for the soil. If you plan to seed, do so after aeration. Overseeding, the process of spreading grass seed over existing grass, can create a dense lawn that chokes out weeds naturally and eliminates the need for weed killers.
Water your lawn deeply but infrequently to promote deep root systems and prevent insect and disease problems. Grass should dry out before being watered again; you'll know it's time to water when grass looks dull and footprints remain visible for more than a few seconds. Make sure that the lawn is getting at least one inch of water and always water in the early morning to minimize evaporation.
 According to Dean Pilquist of NaturaLawn of America, one of the most important components of lawn care is how you mow. Cutting your lawn to 3-3.5 inches will allow grass to remain dense enough to prevent weeds and other problems. An abundance of weeds is a sign that your lawn is not thick enough to keep weeds out on its own.
Avoid chemical fertilizers which, Pilquist says, feed the grass rather than the soil and are no more than a "quick fix." Instead choose organic fertilizer which improves the health and life of soil and, in turn, creates healthier grass. Use natural alternatives to herbicides and pesticides such as corn gluten meal to prevent weeds or simply pull visible weeds out at the roots. Eliminating harmful chemicals and synthetics will allow necessary insects and microorganisms to thrive, providing important nutrients to the soil and allowing air and water to penetrate the surface.
By creating an ideal habitat for grass you can achieve a healthy lawn that resists weeds and disease naturally and create a beautiful, green landscape for your home.
Resource
NaturalLawn of America
1-866-248-1800
www.nl-amer.com |
