With bans on lawn fertilizer popping up in New York states and tighter rules in neighboring states, it appears certain lawn care will change as turf pesticides are limited.
But what is organic lawn care?
The organic reference as it relates to lawn care is not tightly regulated. So making a fair decision between organic services may not always be easy. However there are two main types.
Organic lawn service is a several season effort that take persistence. Controlling weeds means hand-picking and frequent applications of solutions that knock pests off turf. Beneficial microbes and solutions such as insecticidal soap are important.
Cultural methods with compost and topdressing improve soil and overseeding and appropriate watering provide a good ratio of grass to choke out broadleaf weeds.
Your lawn will respond even better if the lawn species is native to your area and the grass is kept at 2 to 3 inches long with mowers blades sharp and well maintained.
IPM - This hybrid method includes the techniques mentioned earlier in this article but will include synthetic pesticides and the use of fertilizers that bridge the gap and keep your lawn green until organic cultural practices kick in.
Because a true organic approach is likely a three year process, you may find a hybrid approach a good mix of environmental awareness, results and lower cost. It may not take as many visits from a lawn care company.
Choosing the Right Organic Lawn Service for You
Before signing a check for summer lawn service, clarify what they mean by lawn service. Also take time to figure out what you want and what you could live without.
If you want your lawn to turn and stay green more quickly or you don't want to invest too much money, then a hybrid or traditional lawn service might be the right call. If you are passionate about organic products and will like the natural unfolding of your lawn as it becomes healthier, the a true organic program is the best.
National lawn chains have about 1 in 50 clients on an organic program. A knowledgeable local guy may help you more so talk to both kinds of lawn services. Get at least three quotes.
But what is organic lawn care?
The organic reference as it relates to lawn care is not tightly regulated. So making a fair decision between organic services may not always be easy. However there are two main types.
Organic lawn service is a several season effort that take persistence. Controlling weeds means hand-picking and frequent applications of solutions that knock pests off turf. Beneficial microbes and solutions such as insecticidal soap are important.
Cultural methods with compost and topdressing improve soil and overseeding and appropriate watering provide a good ratio of grass to choke out broadleaf weeds.
Your lawn will respond even better if the lawn species is native to your area and the grass is kept at 2 to 3 inches long with mowers blades sharp and well maintained.
IPM - This hybrid method includes the techniques mentioned earlier in this article but will include synthetic pesticides and the use of fertilizers that bridge the gap and keep your lawn green until organic cultural practices kick in.
Because a true organic approach is likely a three year process, you may find a hybrid approach a good mix of environmental awareness, results and lower cost. It may not take as many visits from a lawn care company.
Choosing the Right Organic Lawn Service for You
Before signing a check for summer lawn service, clarify what they mean by lawn service. Also take time to figure out what you want and what you could live without.
If you want your lawn to turn and stay green more quickly or you don't want to invest too much money, then a hybrid or traditional lawn service might be the right call. If you are passionate about organic products and will like the natural unfolding of your lawn as it becomes healthier, the a true organic program is the best.
National lawn chains have about 1 in 50 clients on an organic program. A knowledgeable local guy may help you more so talk to both kinds of lawn services. Get at least three quotes.
About the Author:
About the author. David Merriman owns ArborScape, a Denver tree service company, lawn service and he is an ISA Certified Arborist.
