Lawn Care
Avoid Pesticides And Herbicides — Children and pets are especially vulnerable.
- Create a hospitable habitat for birds and other predatory wildlife that feast on pests
- Hang a bird feeder, bird houses, a bat house, welcome ladybugs and other beneficial insects
- Weed manually, before seed heads appear
- Use boiling water, diluted soap or white vinegar to kill weeds
- Apply corn gluten to discourage weeds
- Use least toxic products and practices like Integrated Pest Management
Develop Healthy Soil
- Add organic compost to build levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
- Start a compost pile (a system of microbes and organic matter from your kitchen, leaf & grass clippings)
- Leave mulched grass clippings to recycle nitrogen
- Reduce soil compaction – aerate soil to allow air to circulate around grass roots
- Grade to promote good drainage
Reduce Thatch, the layer of decomposing roots, leaves & stems at the surface of the soil.
- Rake to remove thatch — it prevents water and nutrients from penetrating soil
Choose Native Grass Types Suited To Your Climate And Soil
- Plant disease resistant varieties
- Call your agricultural cooperative extension service or local nursery for information
- Consider alternative ground covers
Water Deeply But Not Too Often
- Deep but infrequent watering is best and reduces fungal growth
- Water between midnight and 8AM to reduce evaporation
Mow High, Not Low
- Taller grass chokes out weeds, longer grass takes in more sun and moisture
- Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing grass, keeping it healthy
Use Fertilizers Wisely
- Choose natural organic fertilizers, use sparingly in early spring or late fall
- Avoid application prior to expected heavy rainfall to prevent runoff into waterways
Encourage Neighbors
- To avoid pesticides and over fertilizing - which contaminates your neighborhood, yard, family, & world
