Go Organic

Organic Lawn Care:

1. A soil test is required to determine a true organic program.
2. April thru May apply a granular organic fertilizer, lime application.
3. Mid June granular organic fertilizer would be applied.
4. End of August a granular organic fertilizer applied, second lime application and composting, seeding and aerating if needed.

Why Go Organic?

1. Safety, for humans, animals, insects and the planet
2. Better Health, for humans, animals, the lawns and the planet
3. Water Conservation & Preservation, since water does not often become contaminated in organic systems, which also require less water than synthetic programs
4. Soil Health & Sustainability, since organics builds organic matter and life within the soil
5. Pest Reduction, since insects tend to be more attracted to out-of-balance synthetic systems
6. Resource Conservation, since synthetic fertilizers are derived from fossil fuels and organic systems encourage recycling, and because organic systems emphasize less mowing
7. Financial Savings through time, since organic systems become more independent as the soil is improved
8. Environmental Preservation, including a reduction in greenhouse gases and global warming
9. Noise Reduction from decreased reliance on power equipment
10. Environmental Awareness from the organic practioners, who don’t rely on “four-step plans” and instead tend to become stewards of the land. (Source)

PJC All Natural Turf Program

Champion Tree & Lawn Care has partnered with PJC All Natural Turf Program to bring you the highest quality in sustainable and responsible lawn science. PJC is a family owned producer who provides natural and organic products to companies like us. Their passion is for sustainable lawn care is inspiring. Read more here.

10 Steps to a Healthy Organic Turf

1. Annual Soil Test
   Send soil sample to soil testing facility.
   A soil test provides necessary information to establish a realistic turf management program.
2. Renaissance Fertilizers
   Apply an all natural organic fertilizer every 7-10 weeks.
   Buy products that contain water insoluble nitrogen. Organic fertilizers feed the soil and the soil feeds the plant.
3. Soil Chemistry & Structure
   Apply soil amendments according to soil test results.
   Lime to maintain 6.5 – 7.0 pH. Improve organic matter by top dressing with compost and/or humates, add loam to create 6″ soil depth.
4. Mow Right
   The most important cultural practice!
   Mow High – 3½ inches – encourage deep roots and shade the soil. Cut no more than ⅓ of the grass blade at a time. Avoid mowing wet grass.
5. Sharp Mower Blades
   Prevent tearing grass blade.
   Sharpen mower blades after every 8 hours. Damaged grass blades lose moisture and are susceptible to disease.
6. Return Grass Clippings
   Adds organic matter and is a natural fertilizer.
   BAG grass clippings when weed seeds and flowers are present (ie. crabgrass, dandelions) to mitigate further spread of seeds.
7. Water
   Deep, Infrequently and in the morning.
   ¾ – 1 inch of water a week (1-2X week). Over watering leads to soil compaction and disease. During extreme heat, water more frequently for shorter periods.
8. Core Aerate
   Relieve Soil Compaction
   Aerate when grass is actively growing to allow grass roots to spread and improve air circulation in the root zone. Fall is the best time.
9. Over-seed
   Create a dense stand of grass to crowd out weeds.
   In SPRING seed slice thin lawns. Top dress and over seed trouble spots. Broadcast grass seed when aerating in the Fall.
10. Scout for Weeds & Pests
    Weeds indicate underlying soil conditions.
    Work at creating the environment grass requires to grow. Manually pull weeds and re-seed bare areas, treat grubs with hB nematodes.