Once upon a time the mullet was fashionable. Apartheid was tolerated. Madonna was a virgin. Soda pop cans were thrown in the trash and there was a company called Chem Lawn that would make our yards green and weed free.
Then we grew up and learned the truth . . . . almost.
I have received an onslaught of questions regarding weeds and dandelions in lawns and what company to use to eradicate them. But before I get into how to control these I want you to think about this:
Chem Lawn. Chemical Lawn. CHEMICAL LAWN!!! When you stop and process the name it really says it all . . . I mention this company, in particular, because it has set the standard for many of the copy-cat companies out there (not all, however). You should know that although the name Chem Lawn is gone but the company is still around.
Apparently, some ‘suits’ at Chem Lawn had a ‘Scooby Doo’ moment (huuuuh?) a number of years ago. So what did they do? Changed the name to Trugreen*. Ummmmmmm????
At my own risk let me just say right now that there is nothing true about chemically treated lawns. There is nothing healthy about them. Although we don’t know exactly what those harmful implications are at this point, is a country club lawn really worth the risk to you, your pets, your kids, the inside of your home, the environment? I say nay.
I was inspired by a new customer this week to search out natural regimens to control weeds. She is a cancer survivor and above all incredibly sensible and sensitive to this issue. She hit a home run when she simply said, “ NO CHEMICALS . . . . it’s just not worth my life”.
As luck would have it there was a Turf Management lecture last evening sponsored by MSU (with Dr. Kevin Frank – MSU Turf Mgt) and SOCWA (Lillian Dean -South Oakland County Water Association). Among the topics were Earth -Friendly Fertilizers/weed control. If you go to www.healthylandscapes.com or www.msuturfweeds.net you will get a whole lot more information than I am about to give you. However, this is where you should start if you are concerned with your lawns and want to keep things safe.
So, here are the basics that they stressed this evening for a healthy, safe lawn without chemicals:
- Mow at least 3” – 4” high. Taller grass means deeper roots that will produce thicker foliage and thus crowd out weeds. By just doing this within two years you will see a 75% reduction in broad-leaf weeds (e.g. dandelions)
- Return Clippings to lawn. Most clippings are 80% water and do not contribute to thatch but do add nutrients back into the lawn.
- Apply organic fertilizers in autumn. Corn Gluten Products, Espoma Organic Weed Preventer/Lawn Food (What I use in all the gardens I work in) or Scotts Organic Choice Lawn Food. There are others but I have had luck with these.
- Choose lawn fertilizers with low or NO phosphorus. Avoid using triple products (e.g. 12-12-12). Meijer sells mostly NO PHOSPHORUS lawn fertilizers. Thank you Meijer!
- Maintain a NO APPLICATION zone near lakes, rivers, streams, storm drains etc . . .
- Do not water at night. Key watering times are in the morning between the hours of 12:00a.m and 6:00a.m. Those of you with irrigation, reset right now. Do not pass this point until you reset your systems . . .
- Aerate at least once a year and fill the holes with a good composted material.
Keep in mind that by just doing this you will eventually see a significant difference in the quality of your lawn. And it’s safe!!!!
Now, will you get the “instant gratification” of a chemically treated lawn? NO! It takes time and some dedication by either you or your lawn service in insuring that these easy steps are followed. I mean, jeez, our health is maintained by long-term health oriented practices. So are our lawns. The ‘easy fix’ only leads to long term ‘issues’. Be informed about what goes on your grass and ultimately into your home!
As for the dandelions, they are in full bloom right now. (I love ‘em to be honest) They will get their fuzzies (technical term) and then will probably bloom a second time (with more fuzzies) before they merge back into the turf. If you have a nice bumper crop like I do and have the inclination, harvest them right now! You can make great wine out of the blossoms. Here is a website that might assist: http://fohn.net/dandelion-pictures/dandelion-wine-recipe.html it only takes about a week for the wine to be ready. I hear it’s good with shellfish.
There are many other companies out there that can help with healthy lawn maintenance and are endorsed by MGIA (Michigan Green Industry Association). Just drop me an e-mail and I will give you the name of an endorsed company near you!
Good Gardening,
Ed
* Trugreen has recently introduced a new multi-application regimen called “Natural Organics”.
Posted by Mo on May 14, 2010 at 1:37 pm
This post is BRILLIANT, Ed! Every time I walk past a lawn bearing those warning signs (ie., “We’ve just treated this lawn with highly toxic chemicals, so keep pets and children away”), I want to knock on the homeowner’s door and ask, “What were you thinking?”
I can’t, because I’m too busy keeping my dogs away from the chemical minefield that is that person’s front lawn.
Your suggestions are great, and give people some tangible alternatives. We all need to stop ignoring the advertising that tells us that toxic chemicals are the only way to get healthy lawns. Doesn’t that stuff actually harm lawns if there’s insufficient rainfall?
I’m linking this to my Facebook page, and anything else I can think of. Well done!