Five Lawn Care Tips

Archive for the ‘Organic Methods’ Category

Every one of us, at one point or another, wished of having a beautiful lawn where we can spend quality time with our family and friends during weekends.  What keeps most people from fulfilling this dream is the care needed for lawn maintenance.  Most people perceive it as a time-consuming and complex set of activities.  The reverse is true, however, for when done regularly, lawn care will prove to be enjoyable and easy.

There are two approaches towards lawn care: (1) use of fertilizers and pesticides and (2) the natural or organic approach.  Lawn care specialists would actually recommend the second as doing so keeps the harmful chemicals away from your lawn.  The natural method allows you to take care of your lawn while being environmentally friendly. Outlined below are the three main elements involved in natural lawn care.

Mow Efficiently

* Mow High. For better and deeper root development, experts advise that you set mowing height up to 2 inches.  There is more crowding out of weeds using such setting.

* Mow Often. Doing the mowing job in bulk actually stresses the grass.  Thus, experts advise that during spring, you mow once a week.  Also, make sure that at each mowing, you don’t cut the grass to more than one-third of its height.

* Leave the Clippings. After mowing, do not take out the clippings.  These will actually turn into useful and efficient fertilizers and help promote greener and denser grass growth. This method, which is also referred to as “grass cycling,” also prevents thatch buildup.

Water Properly

* Water the whole root zone. Be certain that you water the whole root zone and you allow it to partially dry between cycles.  This method ensures that root zones are properly moistened, which is essential for healthy grass growth.

* Be wary of the weather. Consider the weather prior to proceeding with watering. Do not engage in such activity if it rains, or rain is about to come. For more information on evapotranspiration and irrigation of lawn in concurrence to weather conditions, refer to Irrigation and Sprinkler Tips.

Use Alternatives of Pesticides

* Uproot weeds and reduce pest damage.

* Do not cover your lawn in its entirety in an attempt to get rid of a few dandelions.  When possible, remove weeds by hand during spring or fall.

* Timing is of essence.  Be sure to use the right herbicide for the right weed at the right time.

To reiterate, the use of natural lawn care methods allows you to have a healthier lawn without introducing harmful chemicals to the environment. In the long run, an excessive use of fertilizers will actually affect soil and grass quality.

One of the most relaxing places at home is the lawn where you can have a wider and more pleasant view of the neighborhood, thus, serving as a suitable place for you to spend quality time with your kids.  The lawn also gives the house remarkable beauty when seen from an outsiders’ perspective.

Lawn maintenance is always part of the trick to make all these possible. The beauty and inhabitability of the lawn can be preserved by avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and using organic methods of lawn maintenance that are presented below instead.

Basic Benefits of Organic fertilizers

One source of the grass’ vital nutrients is organic fertilizers. The slow release of this is very safe because it abolishes the risk of damage and burning of the grass due to the application of excessive amount. Benefits of this approach also include health and vitality of the grass and soil, and lengthening and strengthening of grass roots helping them fight off pests and diseases.

Seaweeds as Fertilizer

Iron, magnesium and zinc are few of the elements that can be found in seaweeds, which support plant health and root development. When applied monthly, the liquid form of seaweed helps the grass in its battle against fungal diseases.

Techniques in Daily Plant Watering

Lawns need deep watering, at about one ounce of water per week. However, (1) insufficient evaporation would risk the plants to fungal invasion and (2) too much of water may cause shallow grass rooting. Watering the plants early in the day would be a solution to these concerns and frequent light sprinkling, an alternative.

Natural Way of Weed Control

An effective way of controlling the weeds such as crabgrass, dandelions, lambs quarters and purslane is by the use of feeder roots and quality organic products.

Some Cleaning Methods

Dead grass and grass clippings can be removed with the use of a thatcher or an iron rake while plugs of dirt can be eradicated through aeration with the use of good aerators. Both methods help and enhance water retention.

Natural Way of Bug Control

A simple way of getting rid of pests and dangerous bugs such as grubs and fungus larvae is to sprinkle the plants with a dish of soap water. In addition, fungus can be controlled by adding three tablespoons of vinegar per gallon of the sprinkled water.

These simple methods may still be insufficient in battling various kinds of pests in your lawn, but combining these with advanced organic products will surely paralyze the backbone of weeds and pests. After all, the goal towards having a healthy and vibrantly green lawn can be best achieved through organic methods.