Homeowners love a lush, green lawn that is the envy of the neighborhood, but keeping the grass green and without weeds is a tough job.
And when homeowners want to do their part and save the environment, using chemicals is not always the best option. While some may think that a beautiful lawn is unachievable without chemicals, they are wrong.
You can have a lovely, lush lawn using these organic lawn care tips.
Set Your Mower At A Good Height
A well-manicured lawn looks lovely, but don't cut it too short. Mowing high is one way to keep your lawn healthy naturally.
Setting your mower to cut higher and keep about 4 inches of growth is recommended for a low-maintenance lawn. The taller grass helps the soil resist drought, along with these other benefits.
- Encourages larger root mass, which deters grubs
- Shades the soil to reduce weed growth
- Prevents damage from mower blading scraping the turf
- More leaf blades to capture sunlight and better growth
- Longer blades give the lawn a greener appearance
Usually, mowing high means mowing less often during the growing season. Most lawns only require cutting once a week.
Choose The Best Grass For Your Climate
When choosing grass seed or sod, pick the grass species that match your lawn's sun exposure and the climate in your area. Ask yourself these questions when choosing grass species.
- How much moisture does my lawn get?
- Do I need drought-resistant species?
- Is the area more shady or sunny?
- How much foot traffic does my lawn endure?
Selecting the best grass for your area means less maintenance for you and a better-looking lawn.
Test Your Soil And Amend When Needed
Soil tests allow you to measure the available nutrients for your lawn. Once you know what nutrients are there and what is deficient, you take corrective action.
To keep your soil healthy, test it about every 3 years. A soil test helps you avoid fertilizer overuse, which helps protect the environment.
Depending on the outcome of the soil tests, you have several good organic soil amendment options.
- Sawdust
- Wood ash
- Straw
- Wood chips
- Grass clippings
- Compost
- Manure
- Peat moss
Use organic alternatives, like compost, to add nutrients to the soil and balance pH. Amendments also help improve drainage in clay and sandy soils.
For homeowners who wish to start an organic lawn care program and don't know where to start, call in the professionals. You'll find thatorganic yard care is offered by many professionals offer lawn care services.