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Quick Tips

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

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