Lawn and Order: Identifying Fact From Fiction

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

It’s that time of year where most of us get spring fever and a green thumb. But when it comes separating fact from fiction concerning lawn care, most of us are still pretty green.

1. Greener Pastures Are A Result Of Chemical Fertilizers And Insecticides: Experts assert that not only are chemicals harmful to US and to our environment but their benefits to our lawns are negligible. They note that because of the rapid rate at which they work, fertilizers can make an unhealthy lawn seem better on the service, but chemical can chase away earthworms, kill off the soil microbes necessary for the decomposition and soil formation and promote an ample amount of top growth of grass blades hindering the roots from growing at the same place. And, many experts suggest chemical-free options that are just as effective but a lot less insidious and damaging.

2. Growth Control Is Essential For A Healthy Lawn: Quite the opposite note experts. The foundation they say to a healthy lawn is healthy (chemical-free) soil. And, they suggest that what makes the soil healthy is its texture, structure and soil life. Furthermore, they suggest that healthy soil allow for water, air, nutrients, and roots to move around easily. Additionally, it is consists of ample amount of microorganism, worms and other beneficial life forms. In fact, anything other than healthy soil will yield a lawn that has you dealing with the symptoms instead of getting to the root of the problem.

3. Daily Hydration Is Essential To Vibrancy and Color: While there is no doubt that keeping you lawn moist is essential to its health, experts assert that organic soils will generally need less water than sandy or clay soils. But, they suggest watering a week for longer periods of time instead of daily to keep it healthy and hydrated.

If your soil IS however sandy (you can test the pH to find out), they note that you may have to water is twice as much (which only amounts to two times a week). And, they add that watering daily is not only a waste of water, but also unhealthy for the grass. Grass that stays wet for too long becomes more prone to disease and insects.

Long Island Home & Lifestyle Articles > Lawn and Order: Identifying Fact From Fiction