Healthy Lawn, Healthy Environment
Healthy Lawn, Healthy Environment
Caring for Your Lawn in an EnvironmentaIly
Friendly Way
Picture a healthy green lawn: perfect
for lounging, great
for ball games and cookouts, a real asset to your
home. But did
you know that your lawn--and how you take care
of it--can also
help the environment? * Healthy grass provides
feeding ground
for birds, who find it a rich source of insects,
worms, and
other food. Thick grass prevents soil erosion,
filters
contaminants from rainwater, and absorbs many
types of airborne
pollutants, like dust and soot. Grass is also
highly efficient
at converting carbon dioxide to oxygen, a process
that helps
clean the air. * Caring for your lawn properly
can both enhance
its appearance and contribute to its environmental
benefits.
You don't have to be an expert to grow a healthy
lawn. Just
keep in mind that the secret is to work with nature.
This means
creating conditions for grass to thrive and resist
damage from
weeds, disease, and insect pests.
It means setting realistic
goals for your lawn, whether you or a professional
lawn care
service will be doing the work. And if you choose
to use
pesticides, it means using them with care so as
to get the most
benefit and reduce any risks. * Caring for your
lawn in an
environmentally sensible way can have a bigger
impact than you
might think. Your lawn is only a small piece of
land, but all
the lawns across the country cover a lot of ground.
That means
you and your lawn care activities, along with
everyone else's,
can make a difference to the environment. And
that's why taking
care of the environment begins in our own backyards.
Working With Nature: A Preventive Health Care
Program For Your
Lawn
To start, think about lawn care as a preventive
health
care program, like one you would use to keep up
your own
health. The idea is to prevent problems from occurring
so you
don't have to treat them. As they say, an ounce
of prevention
is worth a pound of cure. A healthy lawn can out-compete
most
weeds, survive most insect attacks, and fend off
most
diseases--before these problems ever get the upper
hand.
Your lawn care program should be tailored
to local
conditions--the amount of rainfall you get, for
example, and
the type of soil you have. The sources listed
at the back of
this brochure can help you design a lawn care
program that
suits both local conditions and your own particular
needs. But
no matter where you live, you can use the program
outlined in
this brochure as a general guide to growing a
healthy lawn.
A preventive health care program for your
lawn should have
the following steps:
1. Develop healthy soil
2. Choose a grass type that thrives in your
climate
3. Mow high, often, and with sharp blades
4. Water deeply but not too often
5. Correct thatch build-up
6. Set realistic goals
1. Develop Healthy Soil
Good soil is the foundation of a healthy
lawn. To grow
well, your lawn needs soil with good texture,
some key
nutrients, and the right pH, or acidity/alkalinity
balance.
Start by checking the texture of your
soil to see whether
it's heavy with clay, light and sandy, or somewhere
in between.
Lawns grow best in soil with intermediate or "loamy"
soils that
have a mix of clay, silt, and sand. Whatever soil
type you
have, you can probably improve it by periodically
adding
organic matter like compost, manure, or grass
clippings.
Organic matter helps to lighten a predominantly
clay soil and
it helps sandy soil retain water and nutrients.
Also check to see if your soil is packed
down from lots of
use or heavy clay content. This makes it harder
for air and
water to penetrate, and for grass roots to grow.
To loosen
compacted soil, some lawns may need to be aerated
several times
a year. This process involves pulling out plugs
of soil to
create air spaces, so water and nutrients can
again penetrate
to the grass roots.
Most lawns need to be fertilized every
year, because they
need more nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
than soils
usually contain. These three elements are the
primary
ingredients found in most lawn fertilizers. It's
important not
to over-fertilize--you could do more harm to your
lawn than
good--and it's best to use a slow-release fertilizer
that feeds
the lawn slowly. It's also important to check
the soil's pH.
Grass is best able to absorb nutrients in a slightly
acidic
soil, 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 made
more sour by adding sulfur.
Have your soil tested periodically to
see whether it needs
more organic matter or the pH needs adjusting.
Your county
extension agent (listed in your phone book under
county
government) or local nursery should be able to
tell you how to
do this. These experts can also help you choose
the right
fertilizer, compost, and other "soil amendments,"
and they can
advise you about aerating if your soil is compacted.
If a
professional service takes care of your lawn,
make sure it
takes these same steps to develop good soil. There's
no getting
around it: your lawn's health is only as good
as the soil it
grows in.
2. Choose A Grass Type That Thrives In Your
Climate
The right type of grass--one that suits
your needs and
likes the local weather--will always give better
results.
Grasses vary in the type of climate they prefer,
the amount of
water and nutrients they need, their resistance
to pests, their
tolerance for shade, and the degree of wear they
can withstand.
If you are putting in a new lawn, it will
be worth your
while to do some research to identify the best
grass type for
your needs.
If you're working with an established
lawn that fails to
thrive despite proper care, you might consider
replanting with
a different type of grass.
Why struggle to grow grass that's susceptible
to fungal
disease if you live in a humid climate? Or a water-loving
species if you live in an area with water shortages?
Grass that
is well-adapted to your area will grow better
and resist local
pests and diseases better.
New grass varieties and mixtures come
out on the market
every year.
Ask your county extension agent or another
one of the
sources listed in this brochure for recommendations.
3. Mow High, Often and With Sharp Blades
Mowing high--that is, keeping your lawn
a bit long--will
produce 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 root
system, which in turn helps the grass survive
drought, tolerate
insect damage, and fend off diseases. Longer grass
also shades
the 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 between
2-1/2 and 3-1/2 inches. The ruler at the back
of this brochure
will help the best mowing height for your grass
variety. You
may have to readjust your mower--most are set
too low.
It's also important to mow with sharp
blades to prevent
tearing and injuring the grass. And it's best
to mow often,
because grass adjusts better to frequent than
infrequent
mowing. The rule of thumb is to mow often enough
that you never
cut more than one-third of the height of the grass
blades. Save
some time and help your lawn and the environment
by leaving
short clippings on the grass--where they recycle
nitrogen--rather than sending them in bags to
the landfill.
You don't have to grow a foot-high meadow
to get good
results. Just adding an inch will give most lawns
a real boost.
4. Water Deeply But Not Too Often
Watering properly will help your lawn
grow deep roots that
make it stronger and less vulnerable to drought.
Most lawns are
watered too often but with too little water. It's
best to water
only when the lawn really needs it, and then to
water slowly
and deeply. This trains the grass roots down.
Frequent shallow
watering trains the roots to stay near the surface,
making the
lawn less able to find moisture during dry periods.
Every lawn's watering needs are unique:
they depend on
local rainfall, the grass and soil type, and the
general health
of the lawn. But even in very dry areas, no established
home
lawn should require daily watering.
Try to water your lawn in a way that imitates
a slow,
soaking rain, by using trickle irrigation, soaker
hoses, or
other water-conserving methods. It's also best
to water in the
early morning, especially during hot summer months,
to reduce
evaporation. Apply about an inch of water--enough
that it soaks
6-8 inches into the soil. Then let the lawn dry
out thoroughly
before watering it again.
The best rule is to water only when the
lawn begins to
wilt from dryness--when the color dulls and footprints
stay
compressed for more than a few seconds.
5. Correct Thatch Build-Up
All grass forms a layer of dead plant
material, known as
thatch, between the grass blades and the soil.
When thatch gets
too thick--deeper than one-half inch--it prevents
water and
nutrients from penetrating to the soil and grass
roots. Some
grasses tend to form a thick layer of thatch.
Overuse of
fertilizer can also create a heavy layer of thatch.
You can reduce thatch by raking the lawn
or using a
machine that slices through the thatch layer to
break it up.
Sprinkling a thin layer of topsoil or compost
over the lawn
will also help.
In a healthy lawn, microorganisms and
earthworms help keep
the thatch layer in balance by decomposing it
and releasing the
nutrients into the soil.
6. Set Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals will allow you
to conduct an
environmentally sensible lawn care program. It's
probably not
necessary to aim for putting-green perfection.
Did you know
that a lawn with 15 percent weeds can look practically
weed-free to the average observer? Even a healthy
lawn is
likely to have some weeds or insect pests. But
it will also
have beneficial insects and other organisms that
help keep
pests under control.
Also realize that grass just can't grow
well in certain
spots. Why fight a losing battle with your lawn,
when you have
other options? At the base of a tree, for example,
you might
have better luck with wood chips or shade-loving
ornamental
plants like ivy, periwinkle, or pachysandra. If
your climate is
very dry, consider converting some of your lawn
to dry-garden
landscaping. It could save time, money, and water
resources.
What Is IPM?
Integrated Pest Management is essentially
common-sense
pest control. IPM is not a new concept; some forms
of it have
been practiced for centuries.
IPM involves the carefully managed use
of three different
pest control tactics--biological, cultural, and
chemical--to
get the best long-term results with the least
disruption of the
environment. Biological control means using natural
enemies of
the pest, like lady bugs to control aphids. Cultural
or
horticultural control involves the use of gardening
methods,
like mowing high to shade out weeds. Chemical
control involves
the judicious use of pesticides.
IPM is a highly effective approach that
minimizes the use
of pesticides and maximizes the use of natural
processes. Lawn
care professionals who use IPM should have a sophisticated
understanding of the ecosystem of your turf and
the available
pest control tactics. Home gardeners can also
practice IPM by
following the steps outlined in this brochure.
Tips For Using Pesticides
Sometimes, even with good lawn care practices,
weather
conditions or other factors can cause pest problems
to develop.
Pesticides can help control many lawn pests. But
pesticides
have risks as well as benefits, and it's important
to use them
properly.
The chemicals we call pesticides include
insecticides,
herbicides, and fungicides. These products are
designed to kill
or control pest insects, weeds, and fungal diseases.
Pesticides
can be very effective. But don't be tempted to
rely solely on
pesticides as a quick-fix solution to any lawn
problem.
Serious, ongoing pest problems are often a sign
that your lawn
is not getting everything it needs. In other words,
the pests
may be a symptom of an underlying problem. You
need to correct
the underlying problem to reduce the chance that
the pest will
reappear.
All pesticides are toxic to some degree.
This means they
can pose some risk to you, to your children and
pets, and to
any wildlife that venture onto your lawn--especially
if these
chemicals are overused or carelessly applied.
Pesticides can
also kill earthworms and other beneficial organisms,
disrupting
the ecological balance of your lawn.
Store pesticides out of children's reach
in a locked
cabinet or garden shed.
When Spraying, Protect your skin, your eyes,
your lungs
Wash this clothing separately before using
it again.
Before Using Any Pesticide, Be Sure To Review
These Basic Rules
1. Take safety precautions. Never assume
a pesticide is
harmless.
* Read the entire label and follow its instructions.
Use
only the amount directed, at the time and
under the
conditions specified, and for the purpose
listed.
* Be sure to wear any protective clothing--like
gloves, long
sleeves, and long pants--indicated on the
label. Wash this
clothing separately before using it again.
* Keep children and pets away from pesticides,
and make sure
no one goes on a treated lawn for at least
the time
prescribed by the pesticide label.
* Remember to follow any state or local
requirements for
posting your treated lawn or notifying your
neighbors that
a pesticide has been applied.
* Store and dispose of pesticides properly,
according to the
label directions and any state and local
regulations.
2. Use pesticides to minimize pests, not
eradicate them. The
latter is often impossible and unnecessary.
3. Be sure you have accurately identified
the pest so you can
choose the best pesticide for the job and
use it most
effectively. Obtain professional advice from
your county
extension agent or a local expert.
4. Spot treat whenever possible. In most
cases, it isn't
necessary to treat the whole lawn with pesticides
if the
problem is confined to certain areas. Spraying
more than
necessary is wasteful and can be environmentally
damaging.
If you have questions about a pesticide,
call EPA's
tollfree National Pesticide Telecommunications
Network
(1-800-858-7378). For general information on minimizing
pesticide risks, call or write EPA for a free
copy of the
Citizen's Guide to Pesticides. The number to call
is
703-305-5017; the address is: EPA, Office of Pesticide
Programs, Field Operations Division, H7506C, 401M
Street, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20460.
Choosing A Lawn Care Service
Many people choose to hire a professional
company to help
maintain their lawn. Lawn care companies offer
a range of
services, from fertilizing and pest control to
aerating,
mowing, and renovation.
Lawn care companies should follow the
same healthy lawn
program outlined in this brochure. They should
also follow the
same 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 be
licensed. The qualifications for obtaining
a license vary
from state to state, but having a license is
one
indication that the company is reputable and
operating
legally.
Q. Does the company have a good track record?
A. Ask neighbors and friends who have dealt
with the company
if they were satisfied with the service they
received.
Call the Better Business Bureau or the state
or local
consumer protection office listed in your phone
book; have
they received any complaints about the company?
Determine
from the state pesticide regulatory agency
if the company
has a history of violations.
Q. Is the company affiliated with a professional
lawn care
association?
A. Affiliation with a professional association
helps members
to stay informed of new developments in the
lawn care
field.
Q. Does the company offer a variety of pest
management
approaches? Does it apply pesticides on a set
schedule or
only when they are really needed? Does it use
integrated
pest management, or "IPM"--an approach
that often reduces
pesticide use by combining it with other, non-chemical
methods of pest control?
A. More and more lawn companies are offering
integrated pest
management (IPM) in response to public concern
about
pesticides. Be aware that IPM is a general
term and that
companies may use it to describe a wide range
of
activities. Find out exactly what a company
means if it
says it uses IPM.
Q. Is the company willing to help you understand
your lawn's
problems and the solutions?
A. Lawn services generally apply fertilizers
and pesticides.
But you may be the one who mows and waters--and
poor
watering and mowing practices can lead to disappointing
results. The company should tell you how it
plans to take
care of your lawn, and advise you about the
work you need
to do to keep your lawn in good shape.
Q. Will the company tell you what pesticides
it applies to
your lawn and why, and what health and environmental
risks
may be presented by their use?
A. You have a right to this information. If
asked, the
company should readily supply it. All pesticides
sold
legally in the United States are registered
by EPA, but
such registration is not a guarantee of safety.
Ask to see
a copy of pesticide labels to make sure they
bear an EPA
registration number, and to review the directions
that
should be followed. If the company can't answer
your
questions about the chemicals it uses, call
NPTN
(1-800-858-7378) for more information.
For More Information
Affiliated with the Land Grant university
in each state is
a system of County Cooperative Extension Offices.
Usually
listed in the telephone directory under county
or state
government, these offices often have a range of
resources on
lawn care and landscape maintenance, including
plant selection,
pest control, and soil testing.
State agriculture and/or environmental
agencies may
publish information on pests and pest management
strategies.
The state pesticide regulatory agency can provide
information
on pesticide regulations, and may also have information
on
companies with a history of complaints or violations.
NPTN (see
below) can identify the agency responsible for
pesticide
regulation in each state.
The National Pesticide Telecommunications
Network is a
tollfree, 24-hour information service that can
be reached by
calling 1-800-858-7378 or by FAX at 806-743-3094.
The operators
can provide a wide range of information about
the health
effects of pesticides, and provide assistance
in dealing with
pesticide-related emergencies.
Libraries, bookstores, and garden centers
usually have a
wide selection of books that discuss lawn care
and other
aspects of landscape management. Garden centers
may also have
telephone hotlines or experts available on the
premises to
answer your gardening questions.
The Environmental Protection Agency can
provide
information on integrated pest management strategies
for lawn
care. Write EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs,
Field
Operations Division (H7506C), 401 M St., S.W.,
Washington, D.C.
20460.
Some suppliers of lawn care products can
provide helpful
tips, answer questions, and help identify problems.
Look for
information/hotline numbers on product packaging.
The Bio-Integral Resource Center (BIRC),
a non-profit
organization formed in 1978 through an EPA grant,
has
information on least-toxic methods for lawn care.
BIRC's
address is: P.O. Box 7414, Berkeley, CA 94707.
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