Organic Lawn Care

by | Aug 26, 2019 | Gardening, Yard and Garden

Organic ways to fertilize and care for lawn

 

Organic Lawn Care

Having a lush and beautiful lawn is every red-blooded American homeowners dream, but some may think that means you have to use synthetic chemicals to do so. However, lawns are greener, and safer in without products containing synthetic chemicals.

The U.S. collectively spends $40 billion annually on lawn related chemicals. Most of that money and products only superficially “help” grass, and degrade the soil, pollute any reaching water, and cause serious health threats to people, their pets, and local wildlife.

Luckily, more people are becoming aware of the issue behind conventional products, and attitudes are beginning to change. Across America, increasing numbers are questioning whether the perfect lawn is worth the long-term damage to your health and the environment, considering more natural solutions to lawn care.

When it comes to treating your lawn, keep in mind that any products should compliment the soil and biology. Organic fertilizers contain nutrients that need to be broken down by your lawn’s biology; the soil will keep an organic fertilizer until the plants need them. In terms of pesticides, be aware that you may be killing beneficial microbial life that feed on grubs, which are small white beetles that feed on grass roots.

Quick Alarming Lawn Facts:

  • Lawn and garden equipment emits 5% of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the US, which cause health problems.
  • 40-60% of nitrogen from fertilizer runs off or leaches away, ending up in ground or surface water, including wells.
  • 60-70 million birds die from pesticide poisoning each year in the US alone.
  • In the US, 30 percent of water consumed on the East Coast waters lawns, 60 percent on the West Coast.
  • Close to 70 million pounds of pesticides (including herbicides) are applied to US lawns each year. This is approximately ten times the amount applied to American farmland, acre for acre.
  • As of 2004, about 70 million tons of fertilizer were used on US lawns a year.
  • The Virginia Cooperative Extension in its publication “Nutrient Management for Lawn Service Companies,” states that some fungicides and pesticides can kill 60 to 90% — or more — of the earthworms where they are applied.

Organic Ideas:

The following are some things to keep in mind when it comes to the health and longevity of your wonderful lawn:

The safety of yourself, your family, and your pets.

Gardening products containing synthetic chemicals can cause harm.

Be patient.

Don’t look for an immediate, dramatic change, rather a sustainable change that includes good health and hardiness.

Cut your Lawn LONG

That’s right, do not cut your lawn very short. Keep your lawn at about 3 to 4 inches in length. Keeping your grass blades long prevent weed seeds from embedding in the soil and will help choke out weed growth. It also keeps the tips from burning.

Water Early in the Morning

Don’t water your lawn in the heat of the day or at night. The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, about 7am. Night watering causes water to pool and not soak in properly, providing a breeding ground for mosquitos and lawn killing critters. You could even drown your lawn. Day time watering will waste water, as most will evaporate, especially on hot days. Early morning watering will soak in nicely and keep your lawn fed all day.

Warning: a healthy lawn will attract moles, as they love to eat the root systems. Fortunately, there are healthy, organic ways to remove them as well.

Luckily the movement towards healthy and organic lawns is increasing, and companies are creating wonderful organic and natural options to use. Brands like Scott’s, Espoma, and Dr. Earth offer some awesome organic fertilizer options.