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Earth-friendly Turf

 

How the "Green" Grass Grows
You don't have to sacrifice your lawn to save the planet.  Although lawns aren't typically a big part of eco-friendly landscaping, you can have one if you keep some key concepts in mind.  Having a "green lawn" is all about preparing the soil, choosing the right grass, using organic fertilizers and pesticides (as needed) and knowing when and how to water.

What Makes It Green?
When giving your soil a boost, keep the planet (and your grass) healthy by using organic fertilizers and pesticides.  Over 70 million tons of fertilizers and pesticides are applied to residential lawns and gardens annually.  The EPA estimates that only 35 percent of lawn fertilizers ever reach the grass plant; the remainder is volatized into the air or seeps into groundwater.

Synthetic fertilizers aren't good for your grass either. They overload your lawn with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.  A seven year study at the University of Kentucky showed that increasing fertilizer amounts drastically decreased the pH.  Also when you fertilize, all the nutrients stay in the top layer of soil, which keeps your lawn's root system from growing deep enough.  A shallow root system can cause the soil to become compact and require excessive watering in the heat of the summer.  The weakened root system is also more prone to disease and attack by insects.

Organic fertilizers stimulate root growth, the uptake of soil nutrients, and improve soil structure.  Better soil leads to enhanced moisture retention - especially in areas prone to dry or drought conditions.  This is especially important in helping to conserve water.  The US National Wildlife Federation says that 30% of water used on the East Coast goes to watering lawns; 60% on the West Coast.

What You Can Do
  • Test your soil's fertility, pH (it should be between 6.5 and 7), drainage, and compaction.  You can buy a pH tester for around $50, but your local extension office will help you test it free.
  • Aerate if necessary.
  • Choose the right grass seed for your region and amount of sun/shade.  Check out www.allaboutlawns.com/grass-types to help you pick the best grass for your yard.
  • Get your yard off drugs!  Stop using chemicals to fertilize, kill weeds and kill pests.  Add organic matter by using an organic fertilizer twice a year.
  • Mow only when the grass needs it.  Also mow to an appropriate height.  As a general rule, don't cut off more than 1/3 of the grass at any one time. Most grass is healthiest when kept between 2.5 and 3.5" tall.
  • Make sure your mower blade is sharp so diseases can't get into your grass blades.
  • Water only when the grass needs it.  When you do water, do it thoroughly and use reclaimed rainwater if at all possible.

didyouknow

For every 1% that you increase your soil's organic matter, you increase the water absorption capacity by 16,000 gallons of plant-available water per acre, down to one foot deep.

handson

I love VermaPlex (a blend of microbes, North Atlantic sea kelp and plant-derived extracts) and Black Castings (Mother Nature's purest form of slow release natural organic plant food, produced by earthworms).

 
 
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