A beautiful lawn is easier to have and maintain than the professional lawn-care people want you to think. Sadly, their way of maintaining lawns is dictated by the fertilizer makers and not by grass know-how or science.
Lawns can look beautiful without using pestticides and fertilizers that may contribute to water quality problems in a local creek, the Bay or Delta. The tips below will help you maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn that can out-compete weeds and other lawn pests.
Problems with lawns, including insect pests and diseases,can most often be traced to stresses caused by an inappropriate choice of grass species or improper care. Prevention is always the best way to go, but if you do have lawn problems, first identify the underlying causes and pests. For tips on troubleshooting lawn problems,
When soils and plants are healthy, plants naturally resist disease and pests allowing gardeners and lawnowners to reduce (or avoid) the use of pesticides and quick-release fertilizers. Healthy lawn and garden practices often save homeowners time and effort in the long-run and promote a beautiful landscape.
Healthy lawn and garden principles were developed by professionals familiar with excellent horticulture practices and with knowledge of Southeast Michigan soils and growing conditions. The principles apply to all types of plants. designing your garden More specific practices have been identified for lawns, gardens, trees, and other landscape areas.
Follow these easy tips for a beautiful green lawn, not a green lake! In you want to learn even more about creating healthier, lake-friendly lawns, check out the resources on the left.
Fertilizer Tips
Select slow--release fertilizers to gradually feed plants. These products should contain little or no phosphorus. The numbers on the labels of fertilizers will help you identify which are low in phosphorus. The numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen-phosphorous-and potassium as potash. Low phosphorous brands have ratings on their labels such as 23-0-6, 30-4-4 or 26-4-4.Fertilizers containing abundant nitrogen (46-0-0, 33-0-0) are not recommended because they are highly soluble and can readily wash away or enter groundwater
Watering Tips
Water lightly and frequently. Grass roots are short (often less than 4" long) and can't absorb the excess water. Light, frequent watering also reduces the stress to the grass plant, which reduces the potential for disease and insect damage.Fertilize in September or October to promote root growth rather than top growth. Deep roots withstand drought and resist disease. Strong roots store food produced in the grass blades for use in early spring. Use fertilizers sparingly. Over fertilizing actually encourages certain insects and diseases and increases maintenance needs.
Lawns can look beautiful without using pestticides and fertilizers that may contribute to water quality problems in a local creek, the Bay or Delta. The tips below will help you maintain a healthy and beautiful lawn that can out-compete weeds and other lawn pests.
When soils and plants are healthy, plants naturally resist disease and pests allowing gardeners and lawnowners to reduce (or avoid) the use of pesticides and quick-release fertilizers. Healthy lawn and garden practices often save homeowners time and effort in the long-run and promote a beautiful landscape.
Healthy lawn and garden principles were developed by professionals familiar with excellent horticulture practices and with knowledge of Southeast Michigan soils and growing conditions. The principles apply to all types of plants. designing your garden More specific practices have been identified for lawns, gardens, trees, and other landscape areas.
Follow these easy tips for a beautiful green lawn, not a green lake! In you want to learn even more about creating healthier, lake-friendly lawns, check out the resources on the left.
Fertilizer Tips
Select slow--release fertilizers to gradually feed plants. These products should contain little or no phosphorus. The numbers on the labels of fertilizers will help you identify which are low in phosphorus. The numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen-phosphorous-and potassium as potash. Low phosphorous brands have ratings on their labels such as 23-0-6, 30-4-4 or 26-4-4.Fertilizers containing abundant nitrogen (46-0-0, 33-0-0) are not recommended because they are highly soluble and can readily wash away or enter groundwater
Watering Tips
Water lightly and frequently. Grass roots are short (often less than 4" long) and can't absorb the excess water. Light, frequent watering also reduces the stress to the grass plant, which reduces the potential for disease and insect damage.Fertilize in September or October to promote root growth rather than top growth. Deep roots withstand drought and resist disease. Strong roots store food produced in the grass blades for use in early spring. Use fertilizers sparingly. Over fertilizing actually encourages certain insects and diseases and increases maintenance needs.
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