Tips For Creating An Eco-Friendly Lawn
Posted on: 10 February 2015
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It's possible to have a green lawn with healthy trees and flowers, without wasting precious resources or polluting the soil with harmful chemicals. From planting to ongoing care, creating a landscape that fits your native environment is the most Eco-friendly choice you can make.
These tips help both you and your landscaping stay green:
Go Native
Native plants are more resistant to pests and diseases, while also require less water to thrive. When selecting native plants, group those with similar sun, nutrient and water needs together. Make sure you plant them in an area that receives sufficient sunlight so they can thrive. Native plants generally require less maintenance and water to grow well.
Choose the Right Grass
Lawn grass can be a major water hog. One way to minimize this is to plant a grass that suits your climate. Plant a combination of warm- and cool-season grasses so you won't be over-watering to keep the lawn green during its naturally dormant phase. In dry areas, where water is a precious resource, skip the grass completely. Xeriscaping with decorative stones and native plants can supply a low-maintenance alternative.
Water Wisely
Most lawns and gardens are over-watered. Twice weekly watering can usually keep lawn grass healthy in all but the driest conditions. This method requires deep watering, which means watering just long enough so the top 4- to 6-inches of soil is thoroughly moistened. Do so in the early morning hours so the moisture soaks into the soil without evaporating.
For landscape garden beds, mulch is the answer. Cover each bed with a 2-inch thick layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture. The more moisture you keep in the soil, the less often you need to water.
Monitor Your Trees
Regular and proper pruning of your trees keeps them healthy, preventing the need for chemical disease or pest treatments. Most trees require annual pruning, especially young trees that need to develop a healthy shape. Overgrown trees can become water hogs, or they may shade out other parts of the landscape.
Mind the Chemicals
There's no need to douse your yard in chemicals at the first sign of a problem. Organic pest control and fertilizers can work just as well as the synthetic alternatives. For fertilizers, this may mean using compost, blood and bone meal, or potash, instead of chemical fertilizer sprays and granules. Remember, just because something is organic, doesn't mean it's harmless. Children and pets should still stay off the lawn for 24 hours after an application.
Working with a landscape maintenance management firm that specializes in sustainable landscaping can help you get your lawn into Eco-friendly shape. If you're having trouble developing a care plan for your plants and climate, professional help is well worth the investment.