Going Green With an Organic Lawn
Water conservation, lack of pesticides cited as benefits
© 2007 Wendy Dager
Drought. When the word was used in California in the early 1970s, it was taken seriously. Toilets weren’t flushed; lawns weren’t watered; those who dared wash their cars in their driveways were given the evil eye by their neighbors. Today, it seems, we are nearly always in drought—which may be why some simply consider it a nuisance. It is, however, even more of a problem than it was three decades ago, with water becoming a precious commodity as communities add more homes, strip malls and other commercial properties. What can we, as landscape professionals, do to create droughtfriendly environments?
The answer is easy: Go organic. With an organic lawn, soil and grass become healthy enough to crowd out weeds without the use of pesticides and other chemicals. While some homeowners are resistant to going green, others are making the switch because of environmental and health concerns. This has created an interesting social byproduct—pitting neighbor against neighbor, and, in some cases, husband against wife. However, the results of a “green” lawn are clear: by adding organic materials, including compost, leaves and grass clippings, soil retains moisture and keeps lawns greener longer.
We also recommend the use of a hydroseeding mulch such as Enviro Fiber S-100 (http://www.ssseeds.com/other_products_envirofiber.html). It’s made of recycled newsprint, which is proven superior in water-holding capacity, seed protection and stability.
Another way to conserve water is to employ a bioswale (http://www.albrightseed.com/wildryeswalefilter.htm). When vegetated with the appropriate native grass, a bioswale can aid in the recharge of local groundwater.
Excellent for use in bioswales is LK 517f (Distichlis spicata), a coarse-leaf, warm season California native perennial grass (http://www.ssseeds.com/leaf-let/saltgrassofearth.htm).
Other benefits of creating and maintaining an organic lawn include the potential for restoring or preserving native plant and animal habitat, air purification and, most importantly, the elimination of pesticides. This requires a different mindset for professionals who typically utilize toxic pesticides, for which there are strict laws governing their use, and constant monitoring by the Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/laws.htm). What types of organic pesticides should you use? Experts recommend first identifying the problem. Often, it’s not a matter of insect infestation, but lack of soil nutrients, the wrong type of grass, or inefficient watering. A soil test may be required to determine the exact cause of a failing lawn. However, if it is a pest issue, a botanical approach is recommended, because chemicals may kill off beneficial insects, such as spiders, wasps and ladybugs.
S&S Seeds is glad to assist you with all your green needs. Call (805) 684-0436 or visit us online at http://www.ssseeds.com. We’re here to help!
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