
Making the switch to natural lawn care products is a game-changer for the environment and your yard.
Using natural products can help reduce your carbon footprint, as they are often made from biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients.
These products are also gentler on your lawn, reducing the risk of chemical damage and promoting a healthier ecosystem.
Natural lawn care products can be just as effective as their chemical counterparts, with many options offering long-lasting results.
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Natural Lawn Care
Natural lawn care is all about creating a balanced ecosystem that benefits both your lawn and the environment. This approach focuses on using natural methods to control pests, diseases, and weeds, rather than relying on chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Insects like white grubs, chinch bugs, and armyworms can cause significant damage to your lawn, but a healthy soil and turf can tolerate higher numbers of these pests. A balanced soil and healthy plants can outgrow whatever damage is incurred, and even limit the amount of damage caused by these insects.
To maintain a healthy lawn, it's essential to control thatch, which can weaken or stress the turf and inhibit infiltration of water and nutrients. Excess thatch can also provide habitat for many insects, so it's best to control it as needed.
Here are some natural controls for common turfgrass insects:
- Armyworms: Endophyte-enhanced turfgrasses, neem, Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium, Steinerema sp. nematodes
- Billbugs: Neem
- Chinch bugs: Flood area with water, neem
- Cutworms: Endophytes, Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium, Steinerema sp. nematodes
- Sod webworms: Endophyte enhanced turfgrasses, flood area with water and mild detergents, neem, Bacillus thuringiensis bacterium, Steinerema sp. nematodes
- White grubs: Beauveria bassiana fungus, neem, garlic juice, capsaicin extracts, cedar oil, milky spore disease by Bacillus popillaie or Bacillus lentimorbus, Steinerema sp. nematodes, Heterorhabditis sp. nematodes
By using natural methods to control pests and maintain a healthy soil, you can create a beautiful and sustainable lawn that's safe for kids and pets to play on.
What Is Natural Lawn Care
Natural lawn care is all about working with nature to create a beautiful and healthy lawn.
It starts by choosing the right grass type for your climate and soil conditions. This ensures your lawn gets the best chance to thrive.
Grasses like buffalo grass and blue grama are perfect for dry climates, while cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass do well in cooler temperatures.
Regular mowing is essential to keep your lawn healthy. A general rule of thumb is to never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing.
This helps prevent stress on the grass and promotes healthy growth.
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Honesty: Based vs. Organic
At NaturaLawn of America, we take pride in being transparent about our lawn care methods. We don't refer to our fertilizers as organic because the term can be misleading.
In its strictest sense, any material containing carbon could be considered "organic", even plastic. This definition is too broad for our purposes.
From the public's viewpoint, "organic" means nitrogen fertilizer sources derived from something that was once living, such as plants or animals and their by-products. This is how we interpret the term at NaturaLawn of America.
Organic fertilizers don't contain harmful chemicals that can leach into groundwater and pollute our waterways. They promote healthy soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Here's an interesting read: Examples of Natural Fertilizers
Environmentally Friendly
Organic lawn care is a great way to create a balanced ecosystem where pests are naturally controlled. By choosing organic methods, you can avoid using chemical fertilizers that can harm the environment.
Unlike chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers do not contain harmful chemicals that can leach into groundwater and pollute our waterways. This means you can have a lush, green lawn without compromising the health of our planet.
Consider reading: Chemical Free Lawn Care Companies Philadelphia
Organic fertilizers help to promote healthy soil, which is essential for a thriving lawn. Healthy soil initiates a chain reaction of biological, physical, and chemical phenomena that effectively control many damaging insects.
Some examples of organic fertilizers include compost, compost tea, and beneficial microorganisms. These can be applied to your lawn to improve soil structure and introduce essential bacteria, algae, fungi, and nematodes that keep your soil healthy.
Here are some benefits of using organic fertilizers:
- No harmful chemicals that can leach into groundwater
- Helps to promote healthy soil
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- Safe for kids and pets to play on
By making the switch to organic lawn care, you can create a beautiful and sustainable lawn that's good for the environment and your family.
Applying the Right Amount
Applying the right amount of product is crucial for a healthy lawn. Applying too much synthetic fertilizer or pesticide can cause foliar burns and injury, or have negative environmental effects.
You need to know the total area of your lawn to apply the correct amount of material. This is where calibration comes in, but homeowners don't necessarily need to calibrate their spreader.
A common sense approach is to use a rotary spreader, which makes applications easier and requires fewer passes to cover your lawn. Rotary spreaders are the best option for applying lawn care products.
First, measure your lawn accurately so you can purchase the correct amount of lawn care product. For example, if your lawn measures 10,000 square feet and the product label states that one bag covers 5,000 square feet, you need two bags.
Even distribution of the material is key, which is usually assured with multiple passes in different directions over your lawn. Place your spreader on a light setting and continue to make passes over your lawn, changing directions with each pass.
Most fertilizer and lawn care product packaging includes tables with suggested settings for various brands of spreaders. However, these settings are usually for one pass over the lawn and assume a 3-mile-per-hour walking speed. To give uniform applications, consider cutting the setting by half to one-third, making two to three applications to avoid skips.
Back-to-Back Applications
Back-to-Back Applications can be a game-changer for tackling tough weeds in your lawn. For lawns with wild strawberry or wild violets, or lawns with an excessive dandelion problem, back-to-back applications of One Earth Weed Control spaced 7-10 days apart will achieve good control, especially during the May application.
In severe cases, a back-to-back-to-back application may be necessary for full control of difficult weeds. This approach is particularly effective for weeds like wild strawberry and wild violets.
Here's a summary of when to consider back-to-back applications:
Keep in mind that this approach requires careful planning and timing to ensure the best results.
Fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are a great way to give your lawn the nutrients it needs without harming the environment. They're available in various forms, including bat guano, blood meal, and worm castings.
For new lawns, it's essential to use more organic fertilizers to restore the soil's health and biologically active condition. This can be achieved by using products like Earthworks, Milorganite, or Nature Safe, which contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
When choosing an organic fertilizer, consider your lawn's specific needs. For example, if you have a cool-season grass, you may want to use a product like corn gluten, which offers preemergence weed control and can be applied at different rates throughout the year.
Here are some common types of organic fertilizers and their nutrient content:
Remember to follow the recommended application schedules for your specific type of grass, such as the ones outlined in Tables 4 and 5.
What Is Fertilizer
Fertilizer is a substance added to soil to promote plant growth and fertility. It's a broad term that encompasses a wide range of products.
Fertilizers can be natural or synthetic, and they contain essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are crucial for plant growth and development.
The most common types of fertilizers are nitrogen-based, phosphorus-based, and potassium-based. Nitrogen-based fertilizers promote leaf growth, phosphorus-based fertilizers promote root growth, and potassium-based fertilizers promote overall plant health.
For more insights, see: What Fertilizer Is High in Potassium
Fertilizers can be applied to soil in various ways, including broadcasting, banding, and foliar spraying. The method of application depends on the type of fertilizer and the specific needs of the plants.
Fertilizers are essential for agriculture, as they help increase crop yields and improve plant health. Without fertilizers, crops would struggle to grow and thrive.
Benefits of Alternative Fertilizers
Organic lawn fertilization is a great way to nourish your grass without relying on synthetic chemicals.
Using natural methods to fertilize your lawn supports the overall health of your soil ecosystem.
Organic fertilization techniques promote a balanced and thriving lawn.
Natural lawn care products can be applied year-round without harming your grass.
Unlike traditional fertilizers, natural products don't have to be avoided during warm months.
By using natural lawn care products, you won't have to worry about unintentional runoff or pollutants endangering the health of your community.
A natural lawn care routine supports a healthy soil microbial life, which is vital to growing a healthy lawn.
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Using natural soil amendments enriched with humates can stimulate and feed these microbes to build a humus reserve.
This humus reserve offers vital nutrients and disease resistance to your lawn.
Jonathan Green Love Your Soil is an example of a natural soil amendment that can help you achieve this.
Jonathan Green Black Beauty grass seed varieties pair perfectly with any natural lawn care routine, requiring less fertilizer and being insect and disease resistant.
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Use High Quality Controls and Fertilizers
Using high-quality organic weed controls and fertilizers is crucial for a healthy and thriving lawn. Organic fertilizers come in various forms, including bat guano, blood meal, and worm castings, each containing different percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Table 1 lists various types of organic fertilizers, including their N, P2O5, and K2O percentages. For example, bat guano contains 10% nitrogen, 3% phosphorus, and 1% potassium.
Organic fertilizers release nutrients slowly, providing a steady diet for your lawn. This is in contrast to synthetic fertilizers, which deliver a heavy, instant dose of nutrients.
To choose the right organic fertilizer, consider the specific needs of your lawn. If you have a new lawn with low levels of organic matter, you may need to apply more of all soil nutrients.
For cool-season grasses, a most beneficial program involves applying corn gluten in early April, late June, and mid-September. For warm-season grasses, the same program applies, with corn gluten applied in mid-April, late June, and mid-August.
Some organic fertilizers, like Earthworks, contain additional nutrients like calcium and sulfur. Others, like Organica Lawn Booster, contain microorganisms that help break down nutrients.
Look for products containing natural ingredients like seaweed, bone meal, and feather meal. These ingredients provide a balanced approach to feeding your lawn, releasing nutrients slowly and providing a steady diet.
Here are some examples of high-quality organic weed controls and fertilizers:
- Worm castings: contains 0.86% nitrogen, 0.37% phosphorus, and 0.25% potassium
- Earthworks: contains 5% nitrogen, 4% phosphorus, and 5% potassium, with additional nutrients like calcium and sulfur
- Organica Lawn Booster: contains 8% nitrogen, 1% phosphorus, and 1% potassium, with microorganisms to help break down nutrients
Soil Care
A healthy lawn starts with a solid foundation, and that foundation is the soil. Soil and NaturaLawn of America Fertilizer's entire lawn care program is based on the premise that we're not just growing a lawn, we're building a soil foundation.
Feeding the soil with organic matter is key to improving soil health. Organic fertilizers are rich in organic matter, which helps to improve soil structure and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
A biologically balanced soil is essential for a healthy lawn. Turf is healthiest in a soil where bacteria account for slightly more than half of the biomass, and applying carbohydrates and proteins, ingredients usually not included in many synthetic fertilizers, is part of a "feed the soil" philosophy.
Spreading a half-inch layer of compost over your lawn can add organic matter and beneficial organisms to the soil. Compost tea, brewed and applied monthly, provides a concentrated dose of nutrients and microorganisms that can quickly improve soil health and grass vitality.
For more insights, see: Compost Tea on Lawn
Feeding the Soil
Feeding the soil is essential for a healthy lawn. Organic fertilizers are rich in organic matter, which helps to improve soil health.
Most lawn care companies forget to feed the soil, but NaturaLawn of America's entire lawn care program is based on the premise that we are building a soil foundation. Feeding the soil with organic fertilizers builds the foundation on which your lawn will thrive.
Organic fertilizers improve soil structure and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms that help to break down organic matter, making nutrients more available to the grass roots. These beneficial microorganisms help to create a biologically balanced soil.
A biologically balanced soil is one in which bacteria account for slightly more than half of the biomass. This type of soil is healthier and more sustainable in the long term.
Water Deeply and Infrequently
Watering your lawn is a crucial part of soil care, and the 1-2-3-2-1 Lawn Watering Technique is a great approach to follow.
This technique involves watering your lawn deeply and infrequently, which encourages deep root growth and makes your lawn more drought-resistant.
By watering deeply, you're giving your lawn's roots a chance to grow down deep into the soil, where they can access more water and nutrients.
Watering infrequently helps prevent shallow root growth, which can make your lawn more susceptible to drought and other environmental stressors.
The 1-2-3-2-1 technique is a simple way to implement this approach, with one deep watering session per week, two shorter sessions the next week, three shorter sessions the following week, two shorter sessions after that, and one final deep watering session to round out the cycle.
Grass and Lawn Management
Grass needs about 1-2 inches of water per week to stay healthy, but overwatering can lead to shallow roots and a weak lawn.
To maintain a lush lawn, mow your grass at a height of 2.5-3 inches to promote deep root growth and prevent weed invasion.
Regular aeration, every 2-3 years, can help improve air circulation and reduce soil compaction, keeping your lawn healthy and green.
Choosing the Right Grass
Choosing the right grass variety will allow your lawn to naturally adapt to your climate and require less maintenance and resources to thrive.
Warm-season grasses are a good choice in areas with hot summers and mild winters.
Bermuda grass, zoysia grass, and St. Augustine grass thrive in temperatures between 80°F and 95°F.
These grasses can be maintained at lower heights, typically 2–2.5 inches, when cared for organically.
Buffalograss is a drought-resistant option native to North America that requires minimal mowing.
Management Strategies
A common concern when transitioning to organic lawn care is managing weeds without chemicals. With the right strategies, you can effectively control weeds while promoting a healthier lawn ecosystem.
For more insights, see: When to Treat Lawn for Weeds
Mulching is a simple yet effective way to suppress weeds. By applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, you can prevent weeds from germinating and growing.
Companion planting is another strategy that can help manage weeds. Certain plants, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, release chemicals that repel weeds and attract beneficial insects.
Regular mowing and watering can also help prevent weeds from taking over. By keeping your lawn at a height of 2.5-3 inches and watering deeply but infrequently, you can encourage deep root growth and make your lawn more resistant to weeds.
Hand-weeding is a quick and easy way to remove weeds, especially in small areas. Simply pull the weed out by the roots, making sure to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
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Proper Mowing Techniques
Mowing your lawn regularly is essential to keep it looking its best. Mow frequently enough that you don't remove more than one-third of the grass blade length in a single cutting.
Set your mower blade to the right height for your grass type to ensure a healthy cut. Keeping your mower blades sharp is also crucial, as it helps the grass heal quickly and resist disease.
Leaving grass clippings on the lawn is a great way to nourish the soil underneath. They're a natural source of nitrogen and organic matter that help your lawn thrive.
Be sure to mow with a mulching attachment or a mulching reel mower to leave the clippings where they fall.
Curious to learn more? Check out: What Is a Mulching Mower
Pest Control
Pest control is a crucial aspect of natural lawn care. Organic solutions can be just as effective as chemical ones.
Weeds can be a major nuisance, but manual removal is often the most effective method for existing weeds. For larger infestations, consider using organic weed killers containing citrus oil, which dehydrate weeds down to the roots.
Organic pest control emphasizes creating a balanced ecosystem where pests are naturally controlled. This approach can be challenging, but effective organic solutions are available when intervention is necessary.
Neem oil, derived from the neem tree, can effectively control a variety of insects and is safe for beneficial organisms.
Fertilizer Application
Applying the right amount of fertilizer is crucial for a healthy lawn. Accurate applications of fertilizers are important to the health of your plants and the quality of the environment.
Applying too much synthetic fertilizer or pesticide can cause foliar burns and injury. Too little fertilizer can result in a low-quality lawn that's deficient in what it needs and prone to pest problems.
Calibration of your application equipment is key to knowing how much fertilizer is being applied. Calibration begins with knowing the total area of your lawn and applying the correct amount of material for that area as recommended by the manufacturer.
Rotary spreaders are the best option for applying lawn care products, making applications easier and requiring fewer passes to cover your lawn. They also allow you to distribute the material evenly over the total area of the lawn.
For a more common sense approach, you need an accurate measurement of the area of your lawn so you can purchase the correct amount of lawn care product. This will ensure you don't apply too much or too little material.
To distribute the material evenly, place your spreader on a light setting and make multiple passes over your lawn in different directions. This will ensure uniform applications, and you can fine-tune your spreader to reduce the number of trips required.
Results and Benefits
With natural lawn care products, you can enjoy a lush, dark green lawn without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Using natural lawn care products supports a healthy soil microbial life, which is vital to growing a healthy lawn.
Many homeowners who switched to natural methods report that their lawns look "as lush as ever" without the use of synthetic products, just like Libby Scancarello.
Natural lawn care products can be applied year-round, without harm to your grass, unlike many traditional fertilizers that should not be applied during warm months.
By using natural lawn care products, you won't have to worry about unintentional runoff or pollutants endangering the health of your community.
Jonathan Green natural lawn care products allow you to safely feed your lawn, repel insects, and control weeds in spring, summer, or fall, without worrying about burning or damaging your lawn.
Benefits of Natural Lawn Care
Organic lawn fertilizers provide long-lasting results, as the nutrients are slowly released into the soil over time.
This slow-release process promotes healthy root growth, resulting in stronger, more resilient grass that is better able to withstand drought, disease, and pests.
Chemical-free lawns are safer for children and pets to play on, as there’s no risk of exposure to harmful pesticides or herbicides.
Organic lawns also support local biodiversity by providing a habitat for beneficial insects and microorganisms.
They often require less water than their chemically treated counterparts as they develop deeper root systems and healthier soil structures.
Homeowners who switched to organic methods report that their lawns look just as lush as ever without the use of synthetic products.
Libby Scancarello, one of these homeowners, says she now has total peace of mind about her yard, and she'd be proud to show it off to her neighbors.
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Results: Lush and Dark Green
Achieving a lush and dark green lawn is within reach without using harsh chemicals.
Using natural lawn care products can be applied year-round without harming your grass. This is a significant advantage over traditional fertilizers that should not be applied during warm months.
A natural lawn care routine supports a healthy soil microbial life, which is vital to growing a healthy lawn. This is achieved by using a natural soil amendment enriched with humates.
Jonathan Green Black Beauty grass seed varieties pair perfectly with any natural lawn care routine. This is because it's 100% pure seed, made with no coating or fillers.
With proper care and attention, your grass will flourish in vibrant color and remain largely weed-free. This is a result of adhering to a lawn watering technique and ensuring proper mowing, combined with an organic lawn care program.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Brown patches on your lawn can be a sign of drought stress or fungal disease. Improving drainage and adjusting your watering schedule can help resolve this issue.
Drought stress and fungal diseases can be caused by poor soil health, so it's essential to reassess your soil's condition.
For persistent weed issues, overseeding more frequently can help crowd out unwanted plants. This method is effective in creating a healthier lawn.
Pests can be a problem on organic lawns, but looking for natural predators or using organic control methods specific to the pest species can help.
Programs and Services
Organic lawn care is a game-changer for those who prioritize their health and the environment. Our full-season lawn care program from Organo-Lawn uses innovative techniques to kill weeds fast.
The 1-2-3-2-1 watering technique is a key component of this program, and it's surprisingly effective at eliminating pesky dandelions. This method is just one of the ways we're revolutionizing traditional lawn care practices.
Organic weed controls are now just as effective as their chemical counterparts, and in some cases, even more so. This is great news for homeowners who want a lush, green lawn without compromising their values.
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