articles - caring for your lawn: think green

Lawns first became popular in England around the Middle Ages, in castle courtyards as areas for the gentry to get some fresh air and exercise. These early turfs consisted of various grasses and meadow plants, such as clover and chamomile. By the 17th century, the English lawn was regarded as a status symbol. Forward to today and one can see the quest for the perfect lawn lives on. Unfortunately this ideal was exported to many areas which are arid compared with the damp climate of Western Europe. For example it is estimated that more water is used on lawns than agriculture in the United States.

These monocultures of green carpet, swathed in pesticides hardly resemble those pleasure turfs of 200 years ago and go against the natural tendency towards diversity, thus ill equipping lawns to adapt to local conditions and to develop disease resistance. If you are concerned about the impact of pesticides on you, your family or your pets, then rest assured, it is possible to get your lawn off drugs and to improve diversity through less harmful means. Here are a few suggestions:

Mowing

After mowing, leave grass clippings in place to give nitrogen and moisture back to the soil. Don't mow too short (not less than 3 inches) as longer lawns resist drought better and help to control weed growth. If you wish to establish an alternative lawn of wildflowers, mowing will be much less frequent and in this case do not leave clippings to mulch as wildflowers and clover prefer weaker soils.

Raking

Scarifying is the term given to vigorously raking the lawn in Autumn. In addition to removing obstructive debris from the growing lawn and discouraging fungal growth, it also encourages side shoot production, resulting in a thicker lawn.

Diversify

Introducing a variety of plants to the lawn promotes beneficial bugs such as bees, ladybugs and butterflies and aids in disease resistance. Choosing plants which work with your climate, rather than against it, will make your life easier and reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides.

Spiking

Aerating is best done in Autumn when the soil is moist. It improves drainage and increases air circulation. Most lawns do not require aeration more often than once every three years.

Fertilizing

A healthy lawn should not require fertilizer but a liquid seaweed meal is a good mineral rich choice. Over fertiliazation reduces biodiversity as many plants thrive in nitrogen poor areas.

Watering

Water early or late so that the water does not evaporate away immediately and water deeply. Most lawns requie about one inch once a week (test sprinklers with a tin can). Watering little and often encourages weak and shallow root growth.

604-Trash-It does not accept pesticides and strongly discourages their widespread application. If you do have domestic quantities of pesticides which you need to dispose of, visit www.productcare.org to locate your closest drop-off depot.

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