Natural Lawn Care

According to the U.S. National Wildlife Federation, where pesticides are used, 60 – 90% of earthworms are killed.

Earthworms are important for soil health. Their presence is also a good indication that the soil in your lawn is healthy for vibrant green grass to grow.

However, if the chemicals we use supposedly to protect plants from pests and to keep them healthy destroy these earthworms, the result is a serious environmental disruption.

The only way to reduce a dependence on chemical fertilizers and pest controls is to practice natural lawn care. Natural lawn care results in a healthy lawn that is naturally resistant to weeds, insects, and diseases.

If you want a beautiful lawn that is earthworm-friendly, consider the following natural lawn care basics below:

Improve The Soil

Natural lawn care starts and ends with soil health, so it is therefore only normal that you begin by testing the soil’s pH. The perfect pH for lawn soil is between 6.5 and 7.0, which gives it a slightly more acidic property than regular loam soil.

If your lawn soil is not acidic enough, add some sulfur into the soil. Or if it is too acidic, then sprinkle some lime liquid over your lawn.

As part of the natural lawn care basics, soil testing is simple enough that you can do it by yourself. Just get one of those pH tester packs that cost about $40 - $60. Another natural lawn care solution is to have your soil tested professionally.

Choose A Locally Adapted Grass

Understanding grass varieties and their growth cycle is also another natural lawn care solution. As you probably know already, grasses vary in the type of climate they prefer.

In addition, they may also differ according to the amount of water and nutrients they require their tolerance to shade, and the degree of wear they can stand.

If you do not know what grass variety is best for your lawn, ask your local garden center to recommend grass which is best adapted to your area.

Don’t Mow Too Short

Don’t give your lawn a “Marine cut.” If you mow too short, surface roots may become exposed, allowing the soil to dry out faster and reducing surface aeration.

As a general natural lawn care rule, do not cut off more than one-third of the grass at any one time. You will probably have to mow often as a result, but it’s worth it when you discover that your lawn thrives even better if you give it frequent mows that are just the right height.

As a natural lawn care tip, note that most turf grass species are healthiest when kept between 2.5 and 3.5” tall.

Water Deeply

Thorough watering encourages your lawn to develop deep root systems which make the lawn harder and more drought-resistant. However, as a natural lawn care basic, it is important to let the lawn dry out first before re-watering.

You will know when your lawn needs watering again because the color becomes dull and footprints stay compressed for more than a few seconds.