Having a healthy lawn requires that you take care of your grass. Part of lawn maintenance includes pest and weed control and fertilization. While using chemicals to control pests or weeds and fertilizers to boost your lawn's nutrition is effective, chemicals may harm the environment. Therefore, you should consider undertaking organic lawn care practices. Here are helpful organic landscape maintenance tips.
Conduct a Soil Test
Healthy soil is a prerequisite for having a lush lawn. Therefore, you need to know the condition of the soil by carrying out a soil test. The test will let you know the nutrients that are abundant in your soil and those that your soil lacks for you to make the necessary adjustments. For instance, if the soil lacks sufficient calcium, you can top-dress with gypsum. Lawn care services can conduct the soil tests for you and give you professional advice regarding improving the soil conditions organically.
Select the Suitable Grass Species
Organic lawn care also involves grass species selection. Remember that the type of grass you choose will influence the length, appearance, and ground coverage. Also, note that each grass type grows under unique conditions. Therefore, you want to select a grass species with a strong root system and robust growth. Additionally, consider the growing conditions. For instance, if you're planting the grass under a dense tree population, the grass will grow under shade. Hence, choose grasses, such as fine fescues that can withstand shade.
Cut the Grass Correctly
When mowing, ensure that your mowing machine has sharp blades. Blunt lawn mowers can damage your grass and achieve uneven height. The grass may fray and weaken, making it susceptible to pests and diseases. Also, avoid mowing when the grass is wet, especially in the morning, as your mower may not achieve a clean cut. Therefore, you should consider trimming in the evening when the grass is dry. Most importantly, don't mow the grass too short. You still need your grass to be tall with a large leaf area for vigorous growth.
Don't Eliminate Grass Clippings
Organic lawn care suggests that you shouldn't remove grass clippings from your lawn after mowing. When the clippings decompose, they provide the soil with organic matter and nitrogen, which are essential for the healthy growth of the grass. However, large piles of clippings can harbor pests. Therefore, leave the right amount of clippings that will not negatively affect your lawn. Preferably use a mulching mower that disintegrates the clippings for faster decomposition and quick release of nutrients.
Organic lawn care tips include soil testing, selecting the ideal grass species, mowing the grass correctly, and preserving clippings on your lawn. Consider implementing these tips to have a healthy lawn.