Lawn care the right way
The lawn maintenance industry is full of lawn care “solutions” like pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers it claims are fast and efficient. However, these products contain chemicals that can be harmful to children, pets and the environment.
Thankfully, there are lots of eco-friendly lawn care solutions. Here are some lawn care tips.
Lawn care basics
To keep your lawn healthy and green or give new life to lawn that is struggling, it’s important to understand some lawn care basics. Like most living things, your lawn needs high-quality nutrients. Fertilize your lawn with compost twice a year, once in the springtime and again in the fall.
Lawn also needs air, especially around the roots so that they have enough space to grow. If the ground is too compacted or if you live in an area with a lot of clay in the soil, it may be a good idea to purchase a lawn aerator. This can be used right before adding compost.
Your lawn also needs water to stay green and lush. Unfortunately, millions of gallons of water are wasted unnecessarily on lawn care each year, even though it is very possible for lawns to survive periods of drought in the summer. A lawn that has been well cared for will simply go dormant, turning green again when it rains.
It is also important to know when to mow your lawn. Make sure not to cut grass too short, to prevent weeds. Keep your lawn around 7 or 8 centimetres high. This way, the grass will create enough shade to stop weeds from taking hold.
Leaving grass cuttings on the lawn to decompose will add nutrients to the soil.
When to plant grass seed and which varieties to choose
Choosing the right varieties of seed to plant will result in a lawn that is easier to maintain and more eco-friendly. We recommend a mix of grass and clover that is appropriate for the amount of sunlight your lawn gets. You can seed your lawn in the spring or in the fall.
Grubs in your lawn
If you notice patches of dead grass, grubs are most likely eating the roots. It is important to get rid of grubs before trying to deal with the dry patches.
Lawn care does require some work, but using eco-friendly methods will make it much easier.
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