Americans love their lawns — and there’s a lot to love. Grass takes up about 30 million acres of the United States. But few plants are as exalted and at the same time cursed as grass.
On the one hand, the gently respirating grass of the nation’s lawns scrubs billions of tons of dust and pollutants from the air each year. The soft blades can lower the sound in a neighborhood by 10 decibels. A single front lawn has the same cooling effect as an 8-ton air-conditioning compressor and produces enough oxygen for a family of four.
On the other hand, we hate our lawns — the endless mowing, the expensive, sometimes-toxic fertilizers, the sprinkler systems that always miss a spot, the vexing dandelions.
But what are you going to do? Face it, we’re stuck with our lawns. But if we’re going to keep them, we might as well tend them in the most Earth-friendly way. Here are some steps to help save time, money and the environment.
1. TOSS THE HERBICIDES: Yes, you have dandelions taking over the yard, but do you really want to spray poison on a place where pets and kids go barefoot? Instead, try spraying vinegar to kill weeds that have sprouted. Powdered corn gluten can stop weed seeds from getting established. Apply the nontoxic corn byproduct with a fertilizer spreader in the spring and fall. This nitrogen-rich weed killer will also fertilize the lawn.
2. CHANGE THE pH WITH LYE OR SULFUR: Grass likes a pH, or acidity level, of about 6.5. Dandelions like a pH of about 7.5. Lowering your yard’s pH will give it a huge advantage. Call your local extension office for information on how to test and amend the pH.
3. MOW HIGH: Let the lawn go a little wild. Raise the mower up to 3 inches or more. This lets the grass shade itself. It will use less water and allow fewer weeds to sprout.
4. LEAVE THE CLIPPINGS: Finally, something with less work. Leave the clippings when you mow. The dead grass will naturally decompose, adding back nitrogen and other nutrients to your soil. Neat freaks who must bag it should use the clippings as compost or mulch in flower gardens.
5. AERATE: The soil of aging lawns gets compacted. Roots and water have trouble getting down deep. Aerating creates thousands of tiny tunnels to let water and oxygen into the lawn, saving water and making for healthier grass. Some garden experts say it should be done every year. In low-traffic yards, every other year is adequate. Spring and fall, when soil is moist, is the best time. Do it yourself with a rental aerator or hire a lawn service. Just make sure the aerator makes plugs at least 2 inches deep.
6. WATER LESS OFTEN: Watering every day encourages weeds and discourages grass from growing deep roots. Instead, water twice a week (or less if it’s been raining) for a longer period. The grass will get plenty of water but will have to form stronger roots as it searches for it. Remember to count any rain in the watering total.
7. DITCH THE GAS MOWER: The air pollution from cutting grass for an hour with a gas-powered lawn mower is about the same as that from a 100-mile automobile ride. If you have a small to medium lawn, try an electric mower. Better yet, get a workout while you mow by using an old school, non-motorized push mower.
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