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Organic Methods
As the term “organic” becomes more and more visible in the marketplace, many property owners are considering these products & methods for the care of their lawns. Instead of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, an organic lawn uses natural products and cultural practices to grow the turf and control pests.
The first step is to evaluate the current lawn condition. If it is healthy, with few weeds or pests, it is a good candidate for beginning an organic program without delay.
Evaluating the soil is the next step. Ideally, the soil beneath an organic lawn is rich with nutrients and organic matter. Additionally, aeration of the soil improves drainage and provides for optimal root growth.
Mowing is an integral part of the organic lawncare system. Grasses are usually left higher than with a traditional lawn. This has many benefits including keeping soil temperature down, reducing water loss and preventing weed germination. Also, grass clippings should be left on the lawn. They break down quickly and provide nutrients such as nitrogen to the grass.
The application of products such as corn gluten, herbicidal soaps and Bacillus spores are done only as needed.
Organic lawncare is an interdependent system of observation, products, timing and decision-making. A propery owner who choses organic growing methods needs to have a reasonable set of expectations for their lawn. There are no miracle products and no quick solutions to the turf’s problems and a tolerance for a small amount of weeds and insects is necessary.
That being said, a lush, organic lawn is attainable. Please contact W.J.A. Property Maintenance for an estimate.
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