Healthy Lawn Healthy Environment

Caring for Your Lawn in an Environmentally Friendly WayHealthy Lawn, Healthy EnvironmentCaring for Your Lawn in an EnvironmentaIly Friendly WayPicture a healthy green lawn: perfect for lounging, greatfor ball games and cookouts, a real asset to your home. But didyou know that your lawn--and how you take care of it--can alsohelp the environment? * Healthy grass provides feeding groundfor birds, who find it a rich source of insects, worms, andother food. Thick grass prevents soil erosion, filterscontaminants from rainwater, and absorbs many types of airbornepollutants, like dust and soot. Grass is also highly efficientat converting carbon dioxide to oxygen, a process that helpsclean the air. * Caring for your lawn properly can both enhanceits appearance and contribute to its environmental benefits.You don't have to be an expert to grow a healthy lawn. Justkeep in mind that the secret is to work with nature. This meanscreating conditions for grass to thrive and resist damage fromweeds, disease, and insect pests. It means setting realisticgoals for your lawn, whether you or a professional lawn careservice will be doing the work. And if you choose to usepesticides, it means using them with care so as to get the mostbenefit and reduce any risks. * Caring for your lawn in anenvironmentally sensible way can have a bigger impact than youmight think. Your lawn is only a small piece of land, but allthe lawns across the country cover a lot of ground. That meansyou and your lawn care activities, along with everyone else's,can make a difference to the environment. And that's why takingcare of the environment begins in our own backyards.Working With Nature: A Preventive Health Care Program For YourLawnTo start, think about lawn care as a preventive healthcare program, like one you would use to keep up your ownhealth. The idea is to prevent problems from occurring so youdon't have to treat them. As they say, an ounce of preventionis worth a pound of cure. A healthy lawn can out-compete mostweeds, survive most insect attacks, and fend off mostdiseases--before these problems ever get the upper hand.Your lawn care program should be tailored to localconditions--the amount of rainfall you get, for example, andthe type of soil you have. The sources listed at the back ofthis brochure can help you design a lawn care program thatsuits both local conditions and your own particular needs. Butno matter where you live, you can use the program outlined inthis brochure as a general guide to growing a healthy lawn.A preventive health care program for your lawn should havethe following steps:1. Develop healthy soil2. Choose a grass type that thrives in your climate3. Mow high, often, and with sharp blades4. Water deeply but not too often5. Correct thatch build-up 6. Set realistic goals1. Develop Healthy SoilGood soil is the foundation of a healthy lawn. To growwell, your lawn needs soil with good texture, some keynutrients, and the right pH, or acidity/alkalinity balance.Start by checking the texture of your soil to see whetherit's heavy with clay, light and sandy, or somewhere in between.Lawns grow best in soil with intermediate or "loamy" soils thathave a mix of clay, silt, and sand. Whatever soil type youhave, you can probably improve it by periodically addingorganic matter like compost, manure, or grass clippings.Organic matter helps to lighten a predominantly clay soil andit helps sandy soil retain water and nutrients.Also check to see if your soil is packed down from lots ofuse or heavy clay content. This makes it harder for air andwater to penetrate, and for grass roots to grow. To loosencompacted soil, some lawns may need to be aerated several timesa year. This process involves pulling out plugs of soil tocreate air spaces, so water and nutrients can again penetrateto the grass roots.Most lawns need to be fertilized every year, because theyneed more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium than soilsusually contain. These three elements are the primaryingredients found in most lawn fertilizers. It's important notto over-fertilize--you could do more harm to your lawn thangood--and it's best to use a slow-release fertilizer that feedsthe lawn slowly. It's also important to check the soil's pH.Grass is best able to absorb nutrients in a slightly acidicsoil, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Soil that is too acidic can be"sweetened" with lime; soil that's not acid enough can be mademore sour by adding sulfur.Have your soil tested periodically to see whether it needsmore organic matter or the pH needs adjusting. Your countyextension agent (listed in your phone book under countygovernment) or local nursery should be able to tell you how todo this. These experts can also help you choose the rightfertilizer, compost, and other "soil amendments," and they canadvise you about aerating if your soil is compacted. If aprofessional service takes care of your lawn, make sure ittakes these same steps to develop good soil. There's no gettingaround it: your lawn's health is only as good as the soil itgrows in.2. Choose A Grass Type That Thrives In Your ClimateThe right type of grass--one that suits your needs andlikes the local weather--will always give better results.Grasses vary in the type of climate they prefer, the amount ofwater and nutrients they need, their resistance to pests, theirtolerance for shade, and the degree of wear they can withstand.If you are putting in a new lawn, it will be worth yourwhile to do some research to identify the best grass type foryour needs. If you're working with an established lawn that fails tothrive despite proper care, you might consider replanting witha different type of grass.Why struggle to grow grass that's susceptible to fungaldisease if you live in a humid climate? Or a water-lovingspecies if you live in an area with water shortages? Grass thatis well-adapted to your area will grow better and resist localpests and diseases better.New grass varieties and mixtures come out on the marketevery year.Ask your county extension agent or another one of thesources listed in this brochure for recommendations.3. Mow High, Often and With Sharp BladesMowing high--that is, keeping your lawn a bit long--willproduce stronger, healthier grass with fewer pest problems.Longer grass has more leaf surface to take in sunlight.This enables it to grow thicker and develop a deeper rootsystem, which in turn helps the grass survive drought, tolerateinsect damage, and fend off diseases. Longer grass also shadesthe soil surface keeping it cooler, helping it retain moisture,and making it difficult for weeds to germinate and grow.A lawn's ideal length will vary with the type of grass,but many turf grass species are healthiest when kept between2-1/2 and 3-1/2 inches. The ruler at the back of this brochurewill help the best mowing height for your grass variety. Youmay have to readjust your mower--most are set too low.It's also important to mow with sharp blades to preventtearing and injuring the grass. And it's best to mow often,because grass adjusts better to frequent than infrequentmowing. The rule of thumb is to mow often enough that you nevercut more than one-third of the height of the grass blades. Savesome time and help your lawn and the environment by leavingshort clippings on the grass--where they recyclenitrogen--rather than sending them in bags to the landfill.You don't have to grow a foot-high meadow to get goodresults. Just adding an inch will give most lawns a real boost.4. Water Deeply But Not Too OftenWatering properly will help your lawn grow deep roots thatmake it stronger and less vulnerable to drought. Most lawns arewatered too often but with too little water. It's best to wateronly when the lawn really needs it, and then to water slowlyand deeply. This trains the grass roots down. Frequent shallowwatering trains the roots to stay near the surface, making thelawn less able to find moisture during dry periods.Every lawn's watering needs are unique: they depend onlocal rainfall, the grass and soil type, and the general healthof the lawn. But even in very dry areas, no established homelawn should require daily watering.Try to water your lawn in a way that imitates a slow,soaking rain, by using trickle irrigation, soaker hoses, orother water-conserving methods. It's also best to water in theearly morning, especially during hot summer months, to reduceevaporation. Apply about an inch of water--enough that it soaks6-8 inches into the soil. Then let the lawn dry out thoroughlybefore watering it again.The best rule is to water only when the lawn begins towilt from dryness--when the color dulls and footprints staycompressed for more than a few seconds.5. Correct Thatch Build-UpAll grass forms a layer of dead plant material, known asthatch, between the grass blades and the soil. When thatch getstoo thick--deeper than one-half inch--it prevents water andnutrients from penetrating to the soil and grass roots. Somegrasses tend to form a thick layer of thatch. Overuse offertilizer can also create a heavy layer of thatch.You can reduce thatch by raking the lawn or using amachine that slices through the thatch layer to break it up.Sprinkling a thin layer of topsoil or compost over the lawnwill also help.In a healthy lawn, microorganisms and earthworms help keepthe thatch layer in balance by decomposing it and releasing thenutrients into the soil.6. Set Realistic GoalsSetting realistic goals will allow you to conduct anenvironmentally sensible lawn care program. It's probably notnecessary to aim for putting-green perfection. Did you knowthat a lawn with 15 percent weeds can look practicallyweed-free to the average observer? Even a healthy lawn islikely to have some weeds or insect pests. But it will alsohave beneficial insects and other organisms that help keeppests under control.Also realize that grass just can't grow well in certainspots. Why fight a losing battle with your lawn, when you haveother options? At the base of a tree, for example, you mighthave better luck with wood chips or shade-loving ornamentalplants like ivy, periwinkle, or pachysandra. If your climate isvery dry, consider converting some of your lawn to dry-gardenlandscaping. It could save time, money, and water resources.What Is IPM?Integrated Pest Management is essentially common-sensepest control. IPM is not a new concept; some forms of it havebeen practiced for centuries.IPM involves the carefully managed use of three differentpest control tactics--biological, cultural, and chemical--toget the best long-term results with the least disruption of theenvironment. Biological control means using natural enemies ofthe pest, like lady bugs to control aphids. Cultural orhorticultural control involves the use of gardening methods,like mowing high to shade out weeds. Chemical control involvesthe judicious use of pesticides.IPM is a highly effective approach that minimizes the useof pesticides and maximizes the use of natural processes. Lawncare professionals who use IPM should have a sophisticatedunderstanding of the ecosystem of your turf and the availablepest control tactics. Home gardeners can also practice IPM byfollowing the steps outlined in this brochure.Tips For Using PesticidesSometimes, even with good lawn care practices, weatherconditions or other factors can cause pest problems to develop.Pesticides can help control many lawn pests. But pesticideshave risks as well as benefits, and it's important to use themproperly.The chemicals we call pesticides include insecticides,herbicides, and fungicides. These products are designed to killor control pest insects, weeds, and fungal diseases. Pesticidescan be very effective. But don't be tempted to rely solely onpesticides as a quick-fix solution to any lawn problem.Serious, ongoing pest problems are often a sign that your lawnis not getting everything it needs. In other words, the pestsmay be a symptom of an underlying problem. You need to correctthe underlying problem to reduce the chance that the pest willreappear.All pesticides are toxic to some degree. This means theycan pose some risk to you, to your children and pets, and toany wildlife that venture onto your lawn--especially if thesechemicals are overused or carelessly applied. Pesticides canalso kill earthworms and other beneficial organisms, disruptingthe ecological balance of your lawn.Store pesticides out of children's reach in a lockedcabinet or garden shed.When Spraying, Protect your skin, your eyes, your lungsWash this clothing separately before using it again.Before Using Any Pesticide, Be Sure To Review These Basic Rules1. Take safety precautions. Never assume a pesticide isharmless.* Read the entire label and follow its instructions. Useonly the amount directed, at the time and under theconditions specified, and for the purpose listed.* Be sure to wear any protective clothing--like gloves, longsleeves, and long pants--indicated on the label. Wash thisclothing separately before using it again. * Keep children and pets away from pesticides, and make sureno one goes on a treated lawn for at least the timeprescribed by the pesticide label.* Remember to follow any state or local requirements forposting your treated lawn or notifying your neighbors thata pesticide has been applied.* Store and dispose of pesticides properly, according to thelabel directions and any state and local regulations.2. Use pesticides to minimize pests, not eradicate them. Thelatter is often impossible and unnecessary.3. Be sure you have accurately identified the pest so you canchoose the best pesticide for the job and use it mosteffectively. Obtain professional advice from your countyextension agent or a local expert.4. Spot treat whenever possible. In most cases, it isn'tnecessary to treat the whole lawn with pesticides if theproblem is confined to certain areas. Spraying more thannecessary is wasteful and can be environmentally damaging.If you have questions about a pesticide, call EPA'stollfree National Pesticide Telecommunications Network(1-800-858-7378). For general information on minimizingpesticide risks, call or write EPA for a free copy of theCitizen's Guide to Pesticides. The number to call is703-305-5017; the address is: EPA, Office of PesticidePrograms, Field Operations Division, H7506C, 401M Street, S.W.,Washington, D.C. 20460.Choosing A Lawn Care ServiceMany people choose to hire a professional company to helpmaintain their lawn. Lawn care companies offer a range ofservices, from fertilizing and pest control to aerating,mowing, and renovation.Lawn care companies should follow the same healthy lawnprogram outlined in this brochure. They should also follow thesame precautions for minimizing pesticide risks.How can you be sure that a service will do these things?Start by asking questions like these:Q. Is the company licensed?A. Nearly all states require lawn care companies to belicensed. The qualifications for obtaining a license varyfrom state to state, but having a license is oneindication that the company is reputable and operatinglegally.Q. Does the company have a good track record?A. Ask neighbors and friends who have dealt with the companyif they were satisfied with the service they received.Call the Better Business Bureau or the state or localconsumer protection office listed in your phone book; havethey received any complaints about the company? Determinefrom the state pesticide regulatory agency if the companyhas a history of violations.Q. Is the company affiliated with a professional lawn careassociation?A. Affiliation with a professional association helps membersto stay informed of new developments in the lawn carefield.Q. Does the company offer a variety of pest managementapproaches? Does it apply pesticides on a set schedule oronly when they are really needed? Does it use integratedpest management, or "IPM"--an approach that often reducespesticide use by combining it with other, non-chemicalmethods of pest control?A. More and more lawn companies are offering integrated pestmanagement (IPM) in response to public concern aboutpesticides. Be aware that IPM is a general term and thatcompanies may use it to describe a wide range ofactivities. Find out exactly what a company means if itsays it uses IPM.Q. Is the company willing to help you understand your lawn'sproblems and the solutions?A. Lawn services generally apply fertilizers and pesticides.But you may be the one who mows and waters--and poorwatering and mowing practices can lead to disappointingresults. The company should tell you how it plans to takecare of your lawn, and advise you about the work you needto do to keep your lawn in good shape.Q. Will the company tell you what pesticides it applies toyour lawn and why, and what health and environmental risksmay be presented by their use?A. You have a right to this information. If asked, thecompany should readily supply it. All pesticides soldlegally in the United States are registered by EPA, butsuch registration is not a guarantee of safety. Ask to seea copy of pesticide labels to make sure they bear an EPAregistration number, and to review the directions thatshould be followed. If the company can't answer yourquestions about the chemicals it uses, call NPTN(1-800-858-7378) for more information.For More InformationAffiliated with the Land Grant university in each state isa system of County Cooperative Extension Offices. Usuallylisted in the telephone directory under county or stategovernment, these offices often have a range of resources onlawn care and landscape maintenance, including plant selection,pest control, and soil testing.State agriculture and/or environmental agencies maypublish information on pests and pest management strategies.The state pesticide regulatory agency can provide informationon pesticide regulations, and may also have information oncompanies with a history of complaints or violations. NPTN (seebelow) can identify the agency responsible for pesticideregulation in each state.The National Pesticide Telecommunications Network is atollfree, 24-hour information service that can be reached bycalling 1-800-858-7378 or by FAX at 806-743-3094. The operatorscan provide a wide range of information about the healtheffects of pesticides, and provide assistance in dealing withpesticide-related emergencies.Libraries, bookstores, and garden centers usually have awide selection of books that discuss lawn care and otheraspects of landscape management. Garden centers may also havetelephone hotlines or experts available on the premises toanswer your gardening questions.The Environmental Protection Agency can provideinformation on integrated pest management strategies for lawncare. Write EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs, FieldOperations Division (H7506C), 401 M St., S.W., Washington, D.C.20460.Some suppliers of lawn care products can provide helpfultips, answer questions, and help identify problems. Look forinformation/hotline numbers on product packaging.The Bio-Integral Resource Center (BIRC), a non-profitorganization formed in 1978 through an EPA grant, hasinformation on least-toxic methods for lawn care. BIRC'saddress is: P.O. Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707.