Considering New York's ban on lawn fertilizers and tightening restrictions in other states it seems inevitable that your lawn care will evolve as pesticide applications become more and more limited.
Yet organic lawn care means different things.
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 care is a multi year process that takes patience and commitment. Weed control involves hand picking and application of clove oil or citric acid. Insect control may include microbial products and specially formulated insecticidal soap.
Enhancing soil with natural fertilizers and speciall mized topsoil as well as thorough seeding and watering give grasses a natural advantage in overcoming broadleafs.
The lawn will grow better if the grass species is recommended for your geographic area and the grass cut length is between two and three inches and that you or the lawn service mows it with sharpened mowing blades.
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.
A hybrid approach may present more balance for what you want, providing a mix of environmental awareness while also taking less effort if you don't want to spend as much time on your lawn.
Picking the Right Organic Lawn Service
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 your lawn needs to be green quickly and you want to save money then an organic approach may not be right. If you clearly believe organic is better then you will find a more traditional chemical based program not at all what you want.
National lawn franchises have about 2 percent of their customers on an organic program. A local lawn service may offer more expertise about making lawn work in your area. So get several quotes.
Yet organic lawn care means different things.
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 care is a multi year process that takes patience and commitment. Weed control involves hand picking and application of clove oil or citric acid. Insect control may include microbial products and specially formulated insecticidal soap.
Enhancing soil with natural fertilizers and speciall mized topsoil as well as thorough seeding and watering give grasses a natural advantage in overcoming broadleafs.
The lawn will grow better if the grass species is recommended for your geographic area and the grass cut length is between two and three inches and that you or the lawn service mows it with sharpened mowing blades.
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.
A hybrid approach may present more balance for what you want, providing a mix of environmental awareness while also taking less effort if you don't want to spend as much time on your lawn.
Picking the Right Organic Lawn Service
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 your lawn needs to be green quickly and you want to save money then an organic approach may not be right. If you clearly believe organic is better then you will find a more traditional chemical based program not at all what you want.
National lawn franchises have about 2 percent of their customers on an organic program. A local lawn service may offer more expertise about making lawn work in your area. So get several 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.
