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.

Organic Lawn Care on the Rise

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.

General Philosophy

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.

Basic Guidelines

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.



Questions to Ask When Hiring a Lawn Service

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.