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.
It’s possible to have a healthy, thick lawn without resorting to chemicals.
Eco-Friendly Steps to Getting a Thick Lawn
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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