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(ARA) - Getting outside and enjoying your lawn is one of the greatest joys of home ownership. Empty nesters, singles and parents with kids all share the same thought… what can I do to have a great yard without being a slave to it? It’s easy…and less is more!
Deep and infrequent watering
Water your lawn and plants only when necessary. Then make sure you water deeply enough to moisten the root zone (top 5 to 6 inches of soil) completely. If you water lightly and frequently, roots will not grow deeply into the soil. These lawns will be drought stressed when you miss waterings.
Carefully Fertilize
Fertilize with products that don’t stress your lawn. Experts agree that fertilizer containing large amounts of fast release nitrogen stresses lawns. The quick burst of nitrogen pushes grass to grow faster than normal. Fast growing grass means more precious moisture is needed. Excessive nitrogen also exposes lawns to various disease and insect problems. According to Dr. George Snyder, professor emeritus University of Florida, “Using a slow release organic nitrogen fertilizer such as Milorganite 6-2-0 allows lawns to grow to their potential. Its no-salt formula also doesn’t stress lawns during hot summer months.”
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Recycle your nutrients
Leave short clippings, mulch longer ones, and leave them on your lawn. This reduces the amount of fertilizer you need to add to your lawn. Nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and iron in this mulch will be recycled back into the lawn. As some nitrogen is lost during plant growth, use an environmentally friendly organic nitrogen fertilizer to replace the nitrogen used by the lawn. Melinda Myers, noted garden writer, and auuthor of The Perfect Lawn Midwest series -- and media personality, concurs. “Recycle your existing nutrients. When you need to add nutrients such as nitrogen, use organic nitrogen sources such as Milorganite 6-2-0 fertilizer. This is low impact, sustainable gardening and lawn care.”
Clean Mowing
Mow your lawn on a regular basis. Only remove 1/3 of the top at any one time. And mow high to remove only leaves, not stems. Make sure your lawn mower blades are sharp so they cut, rather than tear, grass. Properly cut grass recovers quickly, reducing the risk of damage caused by insects and disease. Plus, it just looks better. Dull blades tear grass, which looks unsightly and takes more time to heal.
Results
Results are what count. You do not need to sacrifice a nice yard while being environmentally careful. By creating a self sustaining environment in you yard, you encourage kids to play, economically create a healthy environment and increase the value to your property
Enjoy yourself this summer!
Courtesy of ARA Content
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