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Healthy Lawn Healthy Environment

Caring for Your Lawn in an Environmentally Friendly Way

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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