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Love Your Lawn
The EarthSmart Life | by Kim Carlson
When it comes to grass in Minnesota, it's a short season. These days many people
are concerned about the chemicals used in and around their homes, so it's important
to know about new products that might make your lawn healthier and safer for your
family. Creating and maintaining a lawn doesn't need to be a toxic ritual of synthetic
fertilizers, hair-raising herbicides and smog-producing equipment. The latest organic
techniques and the right care can help you develop a lush and healthy backyard that
won't hurt kids, pets or the environment.
Kick the synthetic fertilizer habit. The basic concept for growing lawns organically
is to have healthy soil with the proper level of nutrients and the right microorganisms.
If your soil is healthy enough, your grass will be healthy too and will choke out
weeds. Most lawn companies that service homeowners use traditional chemical applications
for weed and feed. These chemicals can be addictive to your grass and possibly harm
children with young developing systems and pets that walk and play in the grass.
Consider switching to a service that offers organics or fewer chemicals in their
applications.
Banish weeds without toxic chemicals. You can use tools to pull weeds manually in
weed beds rather than use chemical herbicides. There are some extremely effective
non-toxic, natural herbicides to spot spray for weed control in rock areas. One of
my favorite new products is "Ground Force" by Abby Science, a local company
that makes a Round-Up type herbicide from vinegar, citric acid and garlic. It will
take the life out of weeds overnight.
Know when to mow. Cutting the lawn properly will not only result in a better-looking
lawn, but it will help reduce air pollution, too. Mowing at a deck height of 3-4
inches will help shade weeds so they won't grow and will allow the grass to retain
nutrients more effectively. The grass should be mowed on an as-needed basis rather
than by the calendar. In June, the grass needs more cutting and by August, the lawn
will grow less during hot, dry days.
Go native. Consider installing native plants as a way to decrease turf, add visual
interest and reduce mowing. Many of the new homeowners are using native plants in
common areas with a small, narrow ring of grass around the home. Prairie, woodland
and lakeshore plants are taking the place of lawns, because they are drought resistant
and much more cost effective to maintain. Native prairie plants are beautiful once
they're mature a couple of years after they've been installed. They will choke out
weeds, provide habitat for wildlife and won't need watering, fertilizing or mowing.
Golf courses have already discovered that planting prairie areas and narrowing fairways
cuts down on turf maintenance and cost.
It may take a little re-thinking and creativity to turn your lawn into something
better than a grassy chemical slew. So go for it! Recreate your yard and give your
property that beautiful, healthy lawn that is the true pride and joy of the neighborhood.
Here are a few of my favorite sites online that might help you get started:
´ Prairie Restoration -- www.prairieresto.com or (763) 389-4342 -- Prairie planting
design and contracting and retail outlet for prairie plants.
´ Natural Lawns of America -- www.nl-amer.com -- Organic-based lawn care service. They
will test your soil to recommend the proper mix.
´ Greener Pastures -- www.greenerpastures.net ¿ Organic-based lawn care service.
´ Weed Hound -- www.hound-dog.com/weed_hound.htm -- Upright tool pulls weeds,
root and all quickly and easily without chemicals or unsightly divots.
´ Ground Force Organic Herbicide -- Herbicide made from vinegar, citric acid and
garlic. Available at Bachmans or at www.abbysciencelabs.com
´ Gardens Alive -- www.gardensalive.com -- Online organic lawn and garden
supplies.
Kim Carlson, the EarthSmart Consumer, shares fun and practical ways to live a
more planet friendly and human healthy lifestyle. From natural beauty and green gifts,
to providing eco-makeovers for entire homes, Kim blends responsible consumerism with
her own brand of "eco-chic." Kim regularly promotes EarthSmart tips on
local and national television. She is also a frequent guest on talk radio programs,
and is a contributing editor to several major magazines. Kim can be reached at kim@earthsmartconsumer.com.
Copyright © 2005 Kim Carlson. All rights reserved. |
| June 2005 |
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