Monthly Archives: May 2015

Lawn Composting…The Ultimate Diet For Your Grass!

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Lawn compost

Lawn compost keeps your grass healthy and strong.

One of the easiest ways to keep your lawn lush and healthy is by composting two to three times a year. Many people prefer fertilizing their lawns with compost because it is organic and safe for pets and children. Instead of adding potentially dangerous chemicals your lawn, consider using organic compost to get the same benefits without any of the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers.

Benefits of Lawn Composting

In addition to being a safe and natural alternative, lawn composting has additional benefits.

  • Compost doesn’t burn your grass if you accidentally apply too much.
  • Compost doesn’t stain concrete or walkways
  • Unlike manure-based fertilizers, compost isn’t smelly and has little to no odor.
  • Compost is fast acting; within a week you should be able to see an improvement.

How to Lawn Compost

  1. Use the right compost
    Fine-textured compost is ideal for lawn composting. You can find bagged, high-quality, Fine-textured compost at most garden centers or even use your own if you have some on hand. If you are using your own compost, make sure it is fine enough that it can easily be raked into your grass without leaving clumps.
  2. Spread the compost
    Using a shovel or just your hands, spread the compost across your lawn.
  3. Rake the compost evenly
    Spread the compost evenly over your lawn with a flexible garden rake. You want the compost layer to be fairly thin, about a ¼ of an inch thick. Don’t be tempted into thinking more is better. A thin layer will be able to break down quickly and release the nutrients into your soil while a thicker layer might cause problems, like smothering your grass. If you aren’t sure how much compost to use, a good rule of thumb is that when the compost is raked over your lawn, you should barely be able to see it through the blades of grass.
  4. Water it and leave it
    Once you have a nice even layer, water your lawn thoroughly for 15 to 20 minutes. For the next week, take care of your lawn like you normally would, but do not mow it for at least a week. During those seven days, the compost will break down and release its nutrients. After a week, take care of your lawn as you normally would.

Enjoy your healthy lawn

That’s it! Compost should be added to your lawn two to three times a year to keep it healthy and lush. By using organic compost, you should be able to give up regular chemicals for good.

5 Tips For A Lush, Thick Lawn… Naturally!

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Every homeowner envisions their home with a perfectly healthy and thick lawn to go along with it. Unfortunately, to make that dream a reality, many homeowners rely on harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on children and pets, and can seep into the local water supply.

There are, however, numerous ways to improve grass quality and thickness without resorting to chemicals.

Thick-lawn-naturally

It’s possible to have a healthy, thick lawn without resorting to chemicals.

 

Eco-Friendly Steps to Getting a Thick Lawn

  1. Fertilize
    Each lawn is a little bit different. The pH levels of the soil surrounding your house and the type of grass you have will determine the amount and type of fertilizer that will be most beneficial to your lawn. When choosing a fertilizers, look for a slow-release, organic fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer will provide long-term nutrition while improving soil quality.
  1. Add organic matter
    Whether it’s your own or bought at a store, a little extra compost spread over your lawn will help your grass thrive early in the season. Lay down a ½-inch layer and rake it into the grass. If using your own compost, be sure it isn’t steaming when you apply it. Steam indicates the compost material isn’t fully decomposed yet.
  1. Pull Those Weeds
    New weeds that pop up in your lawn should be pulled right away, before they have time to establish a strong root system or go to seed. The more weeds there are in a lawn, the less nutrients there are available for the grass. Removing weeds quickly and regularly helps ensure the grass isn’t competing for nutrients and space.
  1. Tune-Up Your Mower
    Dull lawn mower blades tend to tear grass and leave jagged edges which in turn will leave your grass susceptible to disease. Sharpening your lawn mower blades will help ensure the blades of grass are cut cleanly. Most manufacturer’s instructions outline the proper way to sharpen the blades or blades can be brought to a professional for sharpening. It is recommended that blades be resharpened after 10 hours of use.
  1. Aerate your lawn
    In addition to water and light, roots need oxygen to grow. Aerating – the process of taking out small plugs of the soil – increases the amount of air in the soil, reduces compaction, and allows water and fertilizer to be absorbed more easily into the soil. Aeration can be done in the spring, but it is most beneficial in the fall when weeds are less of a concern.