Good Lifestyle

Having lush green grass Not only stimulates the attraction of the sidewalk of your house, but also seems to report something deeper in the owner. According to American scientist , many people see the state of their lawn As linked to their status within their community - equaling a well -maintained lawn with a high social position. This means that people tend to go completely to get the lawn of their dreams, often using chemicals even if they are aware of how it can cause damage. However, while more and more people kiss green gardening practices, organic lawn care has increased in popularity. This is excellent news for the environment, public health and lawns themselves. Wondering how to go to a lawn without chemicals? Here are eight easy ways to get a magnificent plot of grass without using chemicals.

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Why are organic lawn care important?

Lawy chemicals, including fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides, are commonly used in lawn and garden care. These frequently contain nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium or potash, which can contaminate groundwater and threaten herbs, flowers and populations of native insects.

“When lawn chemicals are poorly applied, they can run away in streams, harm fish and other animals and contaminate our drinking water. The over-application of any lawn chemicals can cause runoff which carries toxic levels of chemicals or excessive nutrients in lakes, rivers and groundwater, "explains the American environmental protection agency (EPA).

Lawy chemicals have also been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, immune response deficiencies, respiratory problems, neurological diseases, skin conditions and congenital malformations.

"The chemicals of the lawn can be absorbed by the skin, swallowed or inhaled. During the application, the chemicals of the lawn can derive and settle on ponds, laundry, toys, swimming pools and furniture ", Note the EPA. In fact, the National Pesticide Information Center believes that 70 million pounds Pesticides propagate their planned objective each year, leaving people vulnerable to their effects.

Phil Catron , founder and president of the healthcare company respectful of the environment Naturalawn of America , said that it should not be like that.

"We know that Americans are deeply careful about the health and appearance of their lawn. But you don't have to choose between having a healthy lawn and using rigorous chemical pesticides that are not sure for children and pets, not to mention the environment for the environment, "he says Better life.

He adds that with organic lawn treatments, you can always reach a thick and lush lawn without the risks to your health and the environment.

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For the advantages and disadvantages of natural lawn care

Pro: It's safer for everyone, but especially for children and pets.

Because chemical lawn care has been linked to health problems, the transition to an organic lawn can help reduce your risks, says Catrron.

"Traditional lawn care products based on chemicals can present health risks for children, pets and adults by direct contact or possible environmental exposure," he explains. "Organic lawn care eliminates these risks using natural and non -toxic ingredients that ensure a safe environment for families and pets to take advantage of outdoor activities."

"From the point of view of human health, organic lawn care reduces exposure to potentially harmful chemicals", Andy Tait , a factory expert at Real green nursery . "By minimizing our dependence on these chemicals, we can create safer environments for families, pets and communities to enjoy outdoor spaces without worrying about persistent toxic residues on grass and soil ", He said Better life.

Pro: it promotes healthy and durable soil.

Organic lawns have the additional advantage of promoting better soil fertility, improving their ability to maintain plant growth. By switching to organic lawn care practices, you create a lasting system that gives grass, plants and high quality flowers.

"Organic fertilizers are rich in organic matter, which contributes to improving soil health. They improve the structure of the soil and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms which help decompose organic matter, which makes nutrients more accessible Basically, "says Catron.

Pro: It's better for the environment.

In addition to the promotion of soil health, the natural care of lawn also reduce pollution and support biodiversity, according to experts.

"By avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, a natural approach to lawn care contributes to a healthier ecosystem and helps to mitigate the impact of conventional environmental care practices," says Catron. "By opting for organic methods, such as composting, natural fertilizers and integrated pest management, we can minimize these negative impacts and promote a healthier environment."

Tait adds that organic lawn care promotes biodiversity by creating habitats for beneficial insects, birds and other wild animals.

"Chemical pesticides kill not only harmful pests but also eliminate without discrimination of beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs, disturbing natural balance and potentially leading to the resurgence of pests. The embracing organic practices encourages a more holistic approach landscaping that supports a rich range of flora and fauna, contributing to the global resilience of the ecosystem, "he said.

CON: He can take time to see the results.

One of the disadvantages of the transition to organic lawn care is that you may feel a difficult transition period. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Natural care may require some time to see the results, as this implies a progressive soil improvement," said Catron. "Owners may need to invest time in education or search for professional advice for better results and build a solid lawn foundation."

Jane Dobbs , chief of the gardening team at Allan's gardeners In London, adds that during this initial adjustment period, you are likely to notice apparently temporary fluctuations.

"When you pass conventional care in natural lawn, the lawn may have to adapt to new products and practices. And the fight against proactive pests, and you must know the basics of organic gardening," she said Better life.

CON: It can be expensive to make the change.

It is not a secret for anyone that organic lawn care products are more expensive than their chemical counterparts - at least in advance. However, experts say that by creating a more sustainable system, you should be able to limit long -term costs.

"While biological treatments on natural lawn care can be a slightly higher price than conventional options, the advantages prevail from afar on costs. Investment in these services ensures long -term advantages for your courtyard , the environment and your families, "says Catron.

CON: Your lawn may not obtain an impeccable finish.

It is also important to be realistic about the finished results. "Organic lawns might not be perfect sharing pieces," said Evan Torchio , founder and CEO of Trees . However, even if your organic lawn is less maintained than your existing lawn, gains prevail over losses, experts are suitable.

"Accept that a flawless and weed -free lawn all year round is unrealistic and often unbearable. The lawns, like any living organism, undergo seasonal cycles and occasional imperfections.

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How to go to organic lawn care

1. Understand soil health.

Your first step is to make an inventory of the current state of health of your lawn. By testing your floor every one to three years, you can find out what micronutrients and macronutrients your soil needs to see tangible quality and pH improvements.

"First of all, understand that soil health is the foundation from which a prosperous or languid lawn," said Catron. "By doing a soil test and having a state university or an independent laboratory run an analysis, you will discover what nutrients are necessary, those which are not necessary and which modifications such as lime or sulfur may be necessary to adjust The level of acidity of the soil for better compliment the type of cultivated grass. "

2. Make a water management plan.

Then, you will want to make a water management plan, especially if you live in an area subject to drought, explains Dobb without compromising the health of the lawn. ""

Torchio adds that building a deep and infrequent watering routine is another key to making a successful change. "Shaky frequent watering creates weak and shallow roots. The deep waters encourage your herb to dig for humidity, which makes it more tolerant of drought," he said Better life.

3. Choose organic fertilizers.

Finding the right organic fertilizer will also help weaned you products that use rigorous chemicals.

"Organic fertilizers are slowly released and your best choice to feed the lawn throughout the growth season. Synthetic fertilizers with rapid release can lift in the supply of groundwater, cause excessive growth of the leaves in the lawn and put the hand the very important fat system "Catron.

For example, some experts recommend corn gluten flour (CGM) as a sponsor and natural herbicide. "In addition to its high protein content, CGM also contains 10% nitrogen in volume, making it an excellent natural fertilizer and slow release for lawns. Linda Naeve , a horticulture expert from Iowa State University .

Likewise, the return of lawn cuts to your lawn to break down is another method of organic fertilization. "The lawn cuts returned to the lawn provide up to 25% of the total fertilizer needs of your lawn," writes Chris Starbuck , part of the Ministry of Horticulture at University of Missouri .

4. Practice an appropriate mowing.

The way you mow your lawn can also have an impact on your transition to organic lawn care. In fact, Catron says that the implementation of good mowing practices can help you naturally reduce people of weeds.

"Keeping your cutting mower blade and adjusting the cutting height as a function of your grass can eliminate up to 85% of weeds without the need for chemical herbicides," he said.

The EPA recommends mowing "highly, often and with sharp blades" for optimal results.

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5. Choose the good types of grass.

According to EPA, another way to help cultivate your lawn is to plant grasses from your region.

"THE Good type of grass - One that suits your needs and likes local weather - will always give better results "," their experts write ". Or a species in love with water if you live in an area with water shortages? Which is well suited to your region will develop better and will resist local pests and diseases better, "they add.

6. Promote endophytes.

There is another way to get a lush green lawn without using chemicals, Catrron suggests: "Consider ventilating and overcoming your lawn with a mixture of high quality seeds containing endophytes, natural organisms that push insects making the grass unpleasant or inhibit their reproduction. "

According to a 2016 study in the newspaper Borders in microbiology , endophytes are groups of microorganisms that colonize plants and, in doing so, improve their growth and their gain in nutrients.

"They can improve the plant's ability to tolerate various types of abiotic and biotic stress, and improve plant resistance to insects and pests," note researchers.

7. Chemical phase.

If you decide to become biological, you do not necessarily have to leave the cold chemical turkey. You can start by first eliminating the most harmful inputs and in phase the rest over time.

"First of all, abandon chemical fertilizers and weeding killers," suggests Torchio. "These can give quick results, but they harm the good things that live in your soil. Instead, focus on soil food with fertilizers and organic fertilizers such as fish and pellets .

Catron adds that you should universally avoid using all "weed and food" products, which combine chemical fertilizers and weed killers in a single product.

"Many of these types of products contain a herbicide called 2.4-D which was associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma," he warns a form of cancer. According to Centers for disaster control and prevention (CDC), it was also linked to respiratory diseases, dysfunction of the nervous system, low birth weights, etc.

8. naturally control insects and diseases.

Finally, Catron recommends combating damage and diseases of insects through organic or biioric controls rather than synthetic pesticides. In other words, you can introduce natural insect predators or pathogens into the ecosystem of your lawn to brake insects without using chemicals.

"Biological controls such as milky spores, nematodes and BT attack the damage insects damage, while biory controls such as neem and pyrethre dissuade food or disturb the maturation of insects without harming the beneficial insects", note- he.

Dobbs should be controlled by organic insect control methods can be an effective strategy. "Organic Lawn Care is all about Prevention, not eradication, when it comas to control pests and diSEASES. Natural pest control methods, like introductory insects, using companion planting techniques, and using organic repellents, help keep ecosystems balance and reduce the use of harmful chemicals, ”she says.