Chemical Free Lawns

One of the worst polluters in your neighborhood is the average homeowner trying to cultivate a lush lawn free of dandelions and bugs. Pesticides are poisons, plain and simple. They're only "safe" because the amounts used are deemed not poisonous to humans. Take a look at some of the short and long term affects of pesticide use. Sure, that small amount you're using won't kill you, but if every single person in your town-county-state uses that amount, what does the accumulation mean for your drinking water?

In my own town, the dearth of chemical dumping has caused our local lake to remain fluid (and toxic) even in the coldest weather. Here's some thoughts on how to get your lawn off drugs.

The lowly dandelion is probably one of the more beneficial weeds that could ever grow on your property.

10 Steps to get your lawn off drugs

1. Choose the right grass. Choose drought-tolerant grass seeds and spread them on your lawn every fall. A thick lawn will crowd out weeds.

2. Mow high. To discourage weeds, keep your lawn mower blade a height of 3 inches.

3. Grass cycle. Leave your grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil. This will reduce your need for fertilizer by 30 percent.

4. Fertilize and top-dress. Once a year, in the fall, use an organic fertilizer or apply a top layer of natural organic matter such as compost.

5. Let your lawn breathe. Once a year, remove small plugs of earth to allow air and water to get to the roots, a process known as aeration. A pesticide-free lawn will encourage earthworms, nature's aerators.

6. Water the roots. Let your lawn soak up 1 inch of water, once a week, early in the morning, to promote deep root growth.

7. Remove thatch. Thatch, a thick compacted layer of dead plants and grass, attracts harmful insects. Aeration and brisk raking should remove much of the thatch. To prevent thatch, don't overwater or overfertilize.

8. Tolerate some weeds. Allow clover in your lawn for its nitrogen-fixing magic.

9. Control weeds and insects naturally. Dig out weeds and their roots by hand. Pour boiling water on weeds that are growing between patio stones.

10. Consider alternative plants. Alternatives to grass include trees, shrubs, ground covers and wildflowers (native species work best).