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There is nothing quite like a lush, beautiful lawn. A recent survey revealed the majority of Canadians would rather have a perfect lawn than drink a fine wine.
The survey also found the satisfaction from having a weed-free lawn is almost as satisfying as sex. Almost ...
Lawns absorb and hold water, which helps reduce storm runoff and improve water quality. Lawns also have a significant cooling effect, provide oxygen, trap dust and dirt, promote healthful micro-organisms, prevent erosion and filter rainwater contaminants.
So with all these benefits, what could possibly be wrong with having the perfect lawn?
It's our obsession that's to blame as lawn care has come at a high cost to the environment.
Consider these alarming statistics: 30% of water consumed on the East Coast goes to watering lawns, 60% on the West Coast; 18% of municipal solid waste is composed of yard waste; the average suburban lawn received 10 times as much chemical pesticide per hectare as farmland; more than 70 million tons of fertilizers and pesticides are applied to U.S. residential lawns and gardens annually; per hour of operation, a gas lawn mower emits 10-12 times as much hydrocarbon as a typical auto, while a gas weedeater emits 21 times more and a gas leaf blower 34 times more; when pesticides are used, 60% to 90% of earthworms are killed.
Much of the environmental cost associated with lawn care can be avoided by developing a healthy lawn that is naturally resistant to weeds, insects and diseases.
Rather than fertilize your lawn three to four times annually, consider improving the soil. The first step is to test the soil's pH. It should be slightly acidic, between 6.5 and 7.0.
Lawns grow best in loamy soils that have a mix of clay, silt and sand. Too much clay in the soil mix, or heavy use, can compact the soil and prevent air and nutrient flow.
Aeration helps compacted soil. Organic matter, such as compost and grass clippings, will benefit any type of soil. It lightens soil that's heavy in clay, and builds humus in sandy soils to retain water and nutrients.
The next step in creating is a healthy lawn is to choose a locally adapted grass.
Thirdly, mow often and mow high. As a general rule don't cut off more than one-third of the grass at any one time. Most turf grass species are healthiest when kept between 6 cm and 9 cm tall.
Next, water deeply but not too often. Just 2.5 cm of water per week is adequate unless it is exceptionally hot, dry and windy.