Organic Lawn Care
The Natural Choice for Sustainable Lawn Care
In natural systems, organic matter generally cycles in place, added to the soil through root and stem decay of winter killed annuals and leaf decay. A thriving microbial community digests and breaks down this organic matter to release nutrients back to the soil. Organic soil amendments may be needed to help balance the soils chemistry, stimulate its biology, and restore its physical composition. Such amendments may also be needed to feed turf grass in a lawn, which has extraordinary nutrient needs because it is grown in an unnatural way, perpetually mowed and kept green as long as possible.
A well balanced soil fertility program is one that increases humus content, organic matter and beneficial microorganisms recycles nutrients, improves water retention, balances minerals and buffers pH in addition to compost, organic matter (manure) and compost tea other amendments may be indicated based on soil test results. These include natural surfactants to aerate soil, root stimulants and developers, rock dust, secondary and micronutrients, flocculants, vitamins, beneficial microbes, enzymes, organic humus, fulvic acid, kelp or dextrose.
What is there to expect when moving to a organic lawn care program? A learning curve takes place, and weekly cultural habits may need to be altered. You may notice a brief increase in crabgrass and weeds. To address this concern, seeding of these areas will be necessary and will aid in creating a thicker stand of turf, which will eventually prevent weeds and crabgrass from getting established. Removing of clippings when weeds or crabgrass are present is required. Removing of clippings will immediately remove future unwanted weed or crabgrass seeds from being re-established.
A thick lawn is the best way to prevent weeds and crabgrass from getting established.
Mowing no less than three and half Inches each time will build a deeper stronger root system. This, in turn, will produce a healthier stand of turf, that will be able to combat drought, disease, insects and other stress’s put upon the grass. Mow only as needed, and sometimes it may be advised to skip mowing cycles when the grass is stressed.
