The lawn can be the most time-consuming part of the yard to maintain. Take these simple steps to make lawn care easier and more pleasurable.
Grasscycle. Leave grass clippings on the lawn. The clippings quickly decompose, releasing their nutrients back into the ground. Mow often enough that no more than a third of the grass blade is cut.
Water deeply. Deep, infrequent watering produces a deeper, more extensive root system, which enables turf to resist disease and stress. Overwatering causes lawns to grow faster and require more mowing.
Fertilize appropriately. Lightly apply an organic fertilizer or slow-release synthetic fertilizer that allows the grass to absorb nutrients efficiently. Fertilize once a year in the fall.
Topdress with compost. An excellent practice is to aerate and then spread a mixture of fine finished compost into the holes made by the aerator.
Reduce the use of pesticides, soluble fertilizers, and “weed and feed” products. Though we want our lawns to look good, we also want them to be safe places for children and pets to play. Reducing or refraining from the use of fast-release fertilizers and pest control products creates a safer and healthier environment for all living things. Target problem weeds with hand weeding or, as a last resort, spot-spraying.
Minimize lawn areas. If the lawn is a must-have for you, keep a smaller one as a picnic area or a play space for children. Grass grows best in sunny areas with well-drained soil.
Consider planting something besides grass, especially on steep slopes, shady areas, and near streams and lakes. Substituting a native grass such as red fescue for conventional turfgrass, planting a drought-tolerant groundcover such as wooly thyme, or lining paths and garden rooms with wood chips are just a few of the possibilities.
You can become a Bay-Friendly Gardener with these resources:
