Steps to Reducing Use of Lawn Chemicals

Perfect lawns may be highly over-rated. An attractive, healthy lawn is quite possible with reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers and our lakes and rivers will remain healthier because of it. Here are several steps we can take.

The best control for lawn weeds is good cultural management. If dandelions are your nemesis, spot treat them rather than using chemicals on the whole lawn. Treat other broadleaf weeds by spot treating as well. It takes a little longer but less chemical is needed to do the job which is good for nature and less expensive for us. Or, better yet, use one of the many cool lawn tools to remove these weeds. There is a certain pleasure in using a dandelion popper to remove the dandelions. It's good exercise and my neighbor says it improves your mood after a day stressful at work.

Bare patches and stressed areas encourage weed seeds to germinate. Reseed those areas with grass or clover. A little clover in the lawn adds nitrogen and can provide ground cover where it's tough for grass to grow. Relax and try to appreciate the diversity in your lawn. Right now, I'm trying to appreciate the Creeping Charlie. It's green, it has lovely blossoms in the late spring and I really do like the smell when I mow where it grows.

Fertilization should be done regularly but in moderation. Spring fertilization is great for a quick green up, but late autumn is the optimum time for good grass root growth. Your lawn will go into winter in a healthy state and green up quickly in the spring. Compost, composted manure or other organic products such as corn gluten meal, make nitrogen available immediately but also over a longer period of time as does a slow-release granular fertilizer.� If you're uncertain how much fertilizer to apply, a soil test determines the current fertility level. Sampling instructions are available from your local county extension office.

Longer grass prevents weeds from sprouting and reduces the need to water. Set the mower to 3 inches, mow regularly and keep the blade sharp. Try not to take more than a third of the length of the grass each time. Lawns that are mowed too short have poor heat and drought tolerance and are an invitation to weeds. Clippings left on the lawn as mulch reduce the need for other fertilizers. If the grass was very long, compost the clippings instead of leaving them on the lawn. A mower that can mulch the clippings or bag them is a good choice.

Summer is a time to enjoy our gardens and lawns. The above steps can help reduce dependence on lawn chemicals and give us a little extra time to sit back and enjoy the green grass and warm sunshine.

You can get help with home horticulture by calling our voice mail, 444-7916. Leave your name, number, and question; one of the Master Gardeners will call to assist you.

Mary Lou Marchand

Beltrami County Master Gardener