How to take care of your lawn organically? Is lawn care without chemicals possible? As the world is transitioning to more sustainable ways of living and doing business, we need to find better ways of taking care of our properties. A lush green lawn starts with healthy soil. The truth is that synthetic fertilizers and weed killers actually only work temporarily and deplete the soil over time. Fertilizers work on the blades of grass, making it look greener. The better way is to take care of your lawn naturally – from the ground up – as healthy soil is a sustainable way to take care of the lawn. Here are several steps that you can use to transform your property’s lawn into a thriving green paradise!
1. Test your soil
Your lawn requires the right pH levels to survive. Most grasses thrive in slightly acidic soils in the 6-7 pH range. If the pH levels go too acidic or too alkaline, you can end up with thin spots. You can get the soil testing kit at your local home and garden store or order it online.
2. Improve the soil based on the soil test results
Finding that balance is the perfect way to start working towards that lush lawn. Try adding lime if the ph level is below 6.0 or garden sulfur if it is above 7.0.
3. Aerating
Aerating is the process of removing 2-3 inch deep core plugs that consist of soil, thatch, and roots. Aerating ensures that air, water, and nutrients can reach the roots to develop the proper growth of your lawn. This type of lawn care service is typically recommended once a year.
4. Mow often, but not too short
Everyone loves a fresh, crisp lawn, but did you know you can actually cause your lawn harm if you mow it too short? Mowing your lawn too short makes it prone to weeds and drought. Grass needs a certain height to produce the proper amount of nutrients via photosynthesis, so both grass and roots are healthy.
5. Sharpen your mower blade
This one may seem obvious, but it’s crazy to hear how many people don’t do this! Why do you have to ensure that your lawn mower’s blades are sharp? Because a dull blade damages grass, therefore taking a long time to recover.
6. Leave the lawn clippings
Go bagless! Clippings break down quickly and return valuable nutrients to the soil. And you save time and won’t need to use plastic bags. Good for your lawn and the environment.
7. Get rid of weeds or pests
No one likes to look out their window and see a farm of weeds and other unwanted growth around their property. Use gardening tools that help to get rid of weeds while getting at the roots deeply and not removing too much soil around. You can use natural and organic agents such as gluten cornmeal during the beginning of the season to stunt the growth of weeds such as dandelion or plantain.
8. Water deeply but not too often
To water or not to water? Finding the perfect compromise for your lawn depends on a variety of factors. If you water it for not long enough, the roots won’t get enough moisture. Watering it too often encourages weed growth. Generally, watering is recommended to be done in the morning or evening time when the temperature isn’t very high so that it won’t evaporate a lot, and you save on water.
9. Overseed
If you’re searching for a luscious lawn this Summer, this is a key step in your yard care journey! Applying an overseeding mix after you mow the lawn will cover any dead patches on the lawn and help it return to its once-perfect state. (You might need to dethatch first if the dead layer is too thick). Make sure to water well the next few days.
10. Dethatching
Dethatching is usually recommended during the beginning of Spring to give your lawn a nice wake-up call for the warmer months ahead! This lawn care service is completed by using an electromechanical dethatcher with rotating steel tines or blades that quickly and thoroughly take care of your thatch problem.
11. Fertilizing
Natural and organic is the way to go when it comes to fertilizing! Choose from various organic fertilizers available on the market or use a local compost from a nursery nearby for the best results. Apply 1 cm. layer and distribute it evenly by raking it through your lawn. This will provide crucial nutrients needed in your soil.
Last Words
These are some important steps on how to take care of your lawn organically. Focus on the health of your soil by testing its pH and adjusting ph levels if necessary. Make sure to aerate once a year to provide the necessary nutrients to the soil. Take care of your lawn by cutting it often but not too short. Sharpen your mower blade for the best results. Overseeding and dethatching help to achieve the proper lawn consistency. If you don’t have enough time or tools to do all the work, you can hire a local natural lawn care company to help with your lawn maintenance.
