If you’re concerned about pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals having a harmful effect on your health and the health of the environment, you’re in good company. More homeowners are turning to eco-friendly options when it comes to taking care of their lawns. It’s easy to grow a gorgeous, lush landscape without having to rely on chemicals. Consider these eco-friendly lawn care tips for your Scranton, Pennsylvania lawn.
1. Use a Biopesticide to Control Pests
Biopesticides are treatments made out of naturally occurring elements. They help lower insect populations by controlling them instead of killing them. You can opt for biopesticides that are scented, targeting only specific insects by sending out certain pheromones. Others contain scents that lure insects into traps or involve the use of microorganisms to control insects. These biopesticides target only the species that you want them get rid of, eliminating any danger to your health or the health of local birds, insects, and mammals.
2. Use Natural Mulch and Compost to Fertilize Your Lawn
Recycling your lawn waste is an easy way to care for the environment. Mulch while you mow by adding a mulching blade to your mower. You can also bag your clippings and add them to your compost bin, allowing them to break down more gradually over time, in a separate location.
The process of composting allows organic matter to be recycled into the earth for nutritional benefit. Grass clippings add essential nitrogen and can provide up to twenty-five percent of the fertilizer your lawn needs. They can also provide erosion control in run-off prone areas.
3. Save Rainwater to Irrigate Your Lawn
Many environmentalists advocate for changing your lawn irrigation habits altogether. That isn’t entirely necessary, as you can use rainwater as an alternative to your traditional irrigation techniques. Water your lawn by allowing nature to take care of it for you. Harvest your rainwater by storing drums under your gutter downspouts. You don’t need to worry about when it’s going to rain, because the barrels will take the guesswork out of the equation for you.
4. Use Eco-friendly Lawn Care Equipment
Lawnmowers, blowers, and trimmers can pollute the environment, with about ten percent of all air pollutants generated by portable gasoline machines. Instead of using gas-guzzling power tools, consider a more eco-friendly electric option. These come in both corded and cordless varieties. Battery-powered lawn tools are another option, but they don’t provide as much consistent power.
5. Consider a No-mow Lawn
Mowing the lawn is not an enjoyable task, especially when it’s hot outside. While you want to maintain a yard and an attractive looking yard, consider using a species that will offer beauty without requiring maintenance. Think of planting species like thyme and lavender to help your lawn thrive without requiring watering or mowing. Hardscaping is another option, which involves building a rock garden or similar scene, so you don’t need to worry about maintaining it.
6. Aerate Your Lawn, So You Don’t Need to Fertilize
A compacted lawn will be strenuous for your grass’ roots to penetrate. The roots won’t be able to access vital oxygen, nutrients, and water, stunting their growth. Aerate your lawn every year to help create the most impact without chemical fertilizers.
7. Overseed Your Lawn to Eliminate the Need for a Chemical Fertilizer
Overseeding portions of your yard that are thin or bare will help remove the need to apply a herbicide. Fertilizers can harm local vegetation and don’t do much to stunt the growth of weeds. Overseeding your lawn will help prevent runoff and erosion while keeping it healthy and strong.
If you absolutely must fertilize, use an organic fertilizer that will keep your lawn in tip-top shape. Organic fertilizers like fallen leaves, grass clippings, or composted manure are all great options for giving your grass a boost of nutrients without sacrificing its long-term health.
Need help tending to your lawn? Visit our Scranton lawn care page for more info!
