Natural Lawn Care Tips

A Greener Way To A Greener Lawn

From Your Friends At Schriemer's

When it comes to pleasing and functional outdoor living spaces, it's hard to beat a thick, green lawn. However, as concerns for our environment grow, gardeners and homeowners are seeking out organic ways to maintain a healthy and happy lawn. Here’s some "green" tips for the lawn of your dreams;

Spring Care

1. Repair any visible lawn damage by overseeding the damaged areas and top-dressing them with a light application of organic matter such as compost.
2. Compaction caused by foot traffic is a major cause of many lawn troubles. Stay off a saturated lawn until the moisture has evaporated and it is firm to walk on, especially in early spring.
3. Aerate annually in areas with heavy foot traffic or which have been compacted over the winter, otherwise every two years.
4. Sprinkle clean organic matter like peat and compost over top of the lawn to rejuvenate the soil.
5. Dethatching is not usually necessary unless thatch has built up to a thickness of 1" or more.

Fertilizing

1. Fertilize your lawn in moderation; two applications per year should be enough. Target applications of fertilizer to heavily trafficked and play areas of the lawn.
2. Organic lawn fertilizer alternatives include dehydrated manure, seaweed and bonemeal. Use slow-release fertilizers wherever possible.
3. Mulch your grass clippings, as this returns nitrogen to the soil and cuts back on the amount of fertilizer required.

Weeds, Insects And Diseases

1. A thick, healthy lawn will naturally keep weeds at bay and is the best defense against insects and disease troubles.
2. Overseed the entire lawn in spring or fall, lightly raking the seed into the soil and applying a light dressing of compost over top. Reseed bare patches promptly before weeds can take hold.
3. Use hand tools to remove weeds rather than dousing the lawn with chemicals.

Mowing

1. Mow high and mow frequently. Try to trim the grass to between 2-3" after cutting, and never take more than a third of the blade off in any one cutting.
2. Keep your mower blade sharp! Expect to sharpen the blade 2-3 times each season.

Watering

1. Don't start watering until late June, unless it has been an extremely dry spring.
2. Grass requires about 1" of water per week to stay green during summer. This can come from either rain or watering. Water twice as much near large trees.
3. Go for a deep soaking when watering. It's best to water in early morning for maximum penetration, minimum evaporation, and to prevent fungal diseases.
4. Grass naturally stops growing during a period of drought, then resumes growth; the tops brown and die back, but the roots and rhizomes remain healthy. Allow the lawn to go dormant during extended heat waves, then revitalize it with a good soaking.