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Written by Dave Philipps, MCT
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Sunday, 27 May 2007 |
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Americans love their lawns - and there's a lot to love. Grass takes up about 30 million acres of the United States - an area the size of New England- making it our No. 1 irrigated crop.
But few plants are as exalted and at the same time cursed as grass.
On the one hand, the gently respirating grass of the nation's lawns scrubs billions of tons of dust and pollutants from the air each year. The soft blades can lower the sound in a neighborhood by 10 decibels. A single front lawn has the same cooling effect as an 8-ton air-conditioning compressor, according to a Mississippi State University study, and produces enough oxygen for a family of four.
"Until man duplicates a blade of grass," inventor Thomas Edison once mused, "nature can laugh at his so called scientific knowledge."
On the other hand, we hate our lawns - the endless mowing, the expensive, sometimes-toxic fertilizers, the sprinkler systems that always miss a spot, the vexing dandelions, the fact that cities in the arid West spend billions to bring water from hundreds of miles away, just to throw two-thirds of it - in summer months - on the thirsty, ungrateful grass.
But what are you going to do? Most houses had lawns long before their current inhabitants moved in, and new houses often come with covenants that require a lawn. Xeriscaping with local, drought-tolerant plants is an alternative, but have you ever tried to play croquet in prickly pear and potentilla shrubs?
Face it, we're stuck with our lawns. But if we're going to keep them, we might as well tend them in the most Earth-friendly way. Here are some steps to help save time, money and the environment.
1. TOSS THE HERBICIDES
Yes, you have dandelions taking over the yard, but do you really want to spray poison on a place where pets and kids go barefoot? Instead, try spraying vinegar to kill weeds that have sprouted. It may take repeated sprays, but use as much as you want; it's basically salad dressing.
2. PREVENT WEEDS
Powdered corn gluten can stop weed seeds from getting established. Apply the nontoxic corn byproduct with a fertilizer spreader in the spring and fall. This nitrogen-rich weed killer will also fertilize the lawn. Local garden centers may carry it, but call ahead.
3. CHANGE THE PH WITH LYE OR SULFUR
Grass likes a pH, or acidity level, of about 6.5. Dandelions like a pH of about 7.5. Lowering your yard's pH will give it a huge advantage. Call your local extension office for information on how to test and amend the pH.
4. MOW HIGH
Let the lawn go a little wild. Raise the mower up to 3 inches or more. This lets the grass shade itself. It will use less water and allow fewer weeds to sprout.
5. LEAVE THE CLIPPINGS
Finally, something with less work. Leave the clippings when you mow. The dead grass will naturally decompose, adding back nitrogen and other nutrients to your soil. Neat freaks who must bag it should use the clippings as compost or mulch in flower gardens.
6. AERATE
The soil of aging lawns gets compacted. Roots and water have trouble getting down deep. Aerating creates thousands of tiny tunnels to let water and oxygen into the lawn, saving water and making for healthier grass. Some garden experts say it should be done every year. In low-traffic yards, every other year is adequate. Spring and fall, when soil is moist, is the best time. Do it yourself with a rental aerator or hire a lawn service. Just make sure the aerator makes plugs at least 2 inches deep.
7. WATER LESS OFTEN
Watering every day encourages weeds and discourages grass from growing deep roots. Instead, water twice a week (or less if it's been raining) for a longer period. The grass will get plenty of water but will have to form stronger roots as it searches for it. Remember to count any rain in the watering total.
8. DITCH THE GAS MOWER
The air pollution from cutting grass for an hour with a gas-powered lawn mower is about the same as that from a 100-mile automobile ride. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates mowers may account of 5 percent of the nation's total air pollution, and 17 million gallons of fuel are spilled each year while refueling lawn equipment.
Higher emissions standards are coming, but in the meantime, if you have a small to medium lawn, try an electric mower. The Neuton cordless, $379, is one of the most popular brands, available online at www.neutonmower.com. Most mower dealers sell an electric model. Better yet, get a workout while you mow by using an old school, nonmotorized push mower. | |
good stuff
Written by BriansBLog on 2007-05-27 16:48:26
Good tips. I have been mulching for 12 years and always have the nicest yard in the neighborhood. I also notice I use significantly less water to keep it green, compared to neighbors who bag it.
however: ..."making it our No. 1 irrigated crop"
Colorado Water Reports show that 70% of all water used by man in Colorado is used up by farming. 4 million people here, and the farmers are turning dust land to farm land by using 3 times the water it would take compared to farming in the heart land. |
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