Lawn maintenance typically requires the use of harsh chemicals to fertilize or eliminate weeds and pests.
Over time, a lawn can become dependent upon these chemicals despite their toxicity to both the environment and humans. Organic lawn repair will return the grass to a healthy, lush, and beautiful state.
Soil Test
The first step in the transition to repairing a lawn organically is to test the soil and determine where it is the weakest.
Soil samples should be taken from different areas of the yard and sent off for analysis. Mowing the lawn to a height of two inches, removing weeds, and aerating the soil allow for the uptake of healthy nutrients to begin the transformation.
Compost
The next phase of organic lawn repair is adding compost. This should be done regardless of the soil test results, especially in locations where there is a heavy sand or clay element. Compost adds fungi, algae, and bacterial organisms that help the soil structure return to health. The best type of compost contains decomposed organic material from plants, which can be made at home in a composting bin or purchased from a local nursery.
Organic Fertilizer
Fertilizer supports the health and nutrition of a lawn through the growing season. A high-quality organic fertilizer contains feather meal, bone meal, and seaweed that provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic fertilizer releases slowly into the soil instead of providing a large number of synthetic nutrients all at once. A lush lawn will discourage the growth of weeds. In addition, the lawn should be over-seeded with an appropriate mix that aligns with the climate, moisture and shade, and sun balance of the yard. After seeding, the lawn should be watered daily until the new grass starts coming in.
Organic Grass Seed
Another key to the organic lawn repair process is using organic grass seed or grass seed that is native to the region.
The organic seeds are free of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. The native seeds are acclimated to local rainfall and soil conditions, making them more resistant to disease while requiring less water. This is beneficial in an era of drought.
Pests and Weeds
Until an organic lawn takes hold, there may be some weeds for one to two years after the transition.
These weeds can be removed manually or controlled through the use of corn gluten meal. Another option is applying a commercial organic weed killer or even vinegar to dry out the weeds and their root systems.
Not all weeds are harmful.
Clover provides fertilizer to the soil by transforming the nitrogen in the air. To battle bugs such as grub worms, nematodes can be sprayed on without harming the surrounding soil or grass although the timing is very important for the best results.
The best lawn is one that does not require synthetic chemicals or large amounts of water to be lush, green, and healthy. A high-quality lawn and landscaping service can help with organic lawn repair for beautiful grass that is also good for the environment.