Earth Day is an annual global event celebrated on April 22nd that honors our progress on environmental issues. It’s the perfect time to implement a lawn care program with a special focus on sustainability. In the Iowa, sustainable lawn care practices provide us with lush healthy lawns that increase the utility of our property in our everyday lives. In this article, we’ll discuss eco-friendly ways to maintain your lawn and celebrate Earth Day.
What is Sustainable Lawn Care?
Sustainable lawn care is obtained by using quality products combined with highly trained staff with the application knowledge and know how. All American Turf Beauty developed the very first commercial lawn care program in Iowa back in 1976. We’ve participated in numerous trials with The Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University over the decades to develop the very best lawn care strategies.
With a quality lawn-care program, proper mowing, and an optional smart lawn irrigation schedule we can help each client achieve the very best results.
Why Earth Day is the Perfect Time to Adopt Sustainable Lawn Care ?
Earth Day reminds us to take steps to make sustainable decisions for our turfgrass. Hiring a local employee-owned service with the philosophy of neighbors helping neighbors is highly advantageous for our local environment and for best results on the lawn.
Adopting sustainable practices is what Earth Day is all about. Here are some sustainable lawn care practices you can implement this Earth Day and beyond:
Water Heavily & Infrequently
To make the most out of your watering schedule, try watering your lawn deeply and infrequently to encourage deeper root growth, making your lawn more drought-tolerant. Matt, our irrigation manager, can help ensure your irrigation system is properly maintained and that your system is scheduled for best results. There are also several above-ground irrigation options that we can recommend.
If you decide not to water, you can count on AATB to apply enough potassium with our premium lawn care program to ensure your lawn recovers from summer dormancy.
Go with Slow-Release Fertilizer
AATB has a special relationship with The Andersons fertilizer company dating back to the 1970s. We use their premium slow-release fertilizer on all the lawns we treat. The advantages of SRN applications include near elimination of nitrate leaching as the nitrogen is more readily available to the turfgrass. Other advantages include no burn, long-term color response, and a heathier turfgrass that’s less susceptible to summer diseases.
Proper Mowing
Keep your mower blades sharp for cleaner cuts and less stress on the grass. Mow at the right height, leaving the grass taller (around 3 inches) to promote deep root growth and drought tolerance. Practice grasscycling by leaving grass clippings on the lawn as a natural mulch and source of nutrients. When you leave your clippings you essentially re-fertilize your turf.
Encourage Biodiversity
AATB applies an EPA Reduced Risk status grub prevention product to encourage biodiversity. This product is known specifically for being honeybee friendly.
Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Universities with a turfgrass study encourage homeowners and lawn care service providers to implement an integrated pest management plan. A pest in the lawn could be anything from a dandelion to a grubworm. Summer diseases can also wreak havoc on a lawn. IPM simply means to only reach for a product to treat the lawn when it is needed. AATB uses top of the line products to treat the lawn with a special focus on products that set the standard for safety. We routinely reach for products with special EPA Reduced Risk Status.
There is a new generation of products on the market and All American Turf Beauty is leading the way in their implementation.
Core Aerate and Seed in the Fall
Fall core aeration and premium overseeding is one of the mostly healthy and sustainable lawn care practices available. By clearing the thatch and thickening up the turf you’ll need less weed control long-term. Many of our clients have dropped back to spot treatments of post-emergent weed control as we succeed in thickening their turfgrass to crowd out the weeds.
Conclusion
By embracing sustainable lawn care practices, we can ensure that our local communities remain a thriving, beautiful place for generations to come. In addition to environmental benefits, a healthy, well-maintained lawn can increase your property’s curb appeal and value, while providing a safer space for children and pets to play. So, let Earth Day be the catalyst that drives us to reevaluate our lawn care practices and make the necessary changes towards a greener weed free lawn.
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