Is Organic Lawn Care Really Effective?
How Effective is Organic Lawn Care?
You have done your research and have decided that going green is the responsible choice for you to make. Transitioning to an organic lifestyle may seem overwhelming but it is an important change to make for you, your family and the environment.
But is organic lawn care actually effective? You don’t want your lawn outshined by your neighbour’s…
the answer is: yes, organic lawn care is just as effective, if not more so, than conventional lawn care practices.
You can have a beautiful, healthy lawn without compromising the health of your family or the environment. Organic lawn care utilizes natural fertilizers, pest control and combined water and mowing management to create healthy, organic lawns.
Effective fertilization
Organic fertilizers, whether commercially prepared or compost made in your back yard, must be applied in proportion to the need, at the proper time and in the right way to be effective.
Fertilizing with a natural fertilizer in regular intervals across the growing season- rather than one whopping application that will run off in large amounts- is an important component of an eco-friendly lawn care routine.
Organic fertilizers on the other hand, reintroduce microbes into the soil, relieving soil compaction. Loosening the soil allows roots to go down deep, creating healthier plants. It also means subsequent applications of fertilizer are more available to provide the needed nutrients to grow healthy grasses.
Organic weed control
A healthy lawn will not be as likely to harbor weeds as a synthetically overtreated lawn.
Often, weeds are a sign that the soil is too compact, the pH is off balance or there is a lack of nitrogen. With the proper application of organic fertilizers the soil conditions will improve sustainably. This should naturally resolve most weed problems.
In the meantime, organic sprays are available and are very effective for immediate results.
Lawn management
A large part of organic lawn care is in lawn management. Mowing & watering may not seem like it should take much thought but when and how you mow can have a big impact on the health of your lawn.
Mowing
Organic lawn care practices include mowing high and often. If you’re too busy to keep up with this, hiring a weekly grass cutting service can be a cost effective way to maintain a healthy property.
Here’s why mowing high is encouraged: the more green blades are showing the more surface area is available for processing carbon dioxide, absorbing sun light and even shading the soil to reduce water evaporation and choke out weeds.
Sharp mower blades are also critical. Dull blades damage the grass, leaving it susceptible to disease.
Watering
Watering the lawn is at times necessary. Watering deeply and less often is the preferred method for watering the lawn. Early morning hours are best because the grasses do not absorb water in the afternoon hours as they shut down to reduce transpiration.
Pest Control
It is difficult to enjoy a beautiful lawn if it means dealing with pests. Although some insects and the like are beneficial for the lawn, an abundance of insects in the area can be a nuisance.
Chemical pesticides do take care of the pests but are also extremely toxic. Organic products must also be used as directed to alleviate any potential adverse reactions.
The introduction of nematodes is a great solution for organic pest control. These nematodes are parasites and regulate most pest populations naturally without damaging their surroundings.
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