Zach Hendrix - CTO, Entrepreneur & Co-Founder at GreenPal | GreenPal
With summer approaching, many homeowners aim for a lush green lawn. However, the use of chemicals in traditional lawn care can have adverse effects on the environment. The transition to organic lawn care is not as challenging as it might seem.
There are five eco-friendly methods to maintain a healthy lawn:
1. **Water Smart**: The United States uses approximately 26 billion gallons of water daily, with 30% used outdoors for purposes like irrigation. Lawns only require about one inch of water weekly to remain green. To conserve water, it's recommended to irrigate early in the morning before evaporation occurs. "Set the sprinkles to run at 7 am and you will use less water."
2. **Choose Organic Products**: "The average lawn contains more pesticides per acre than an acre of farmland." These chemicals can contaminate water supplies and harm beneficial soil organisms like earthworms. Organic products offer solutions such as corn gluten that prevent weed growth while enriching the soil with nitrogen.
3. **Avoid Using Fuel**: Lawn equipment contributes about 5% of air pollution due to fuel emissions. Opting for fuel-free tools is beneficial for both air quality and grass health by keeping harmful substances out of the atmosphere.
4. **Save Grass Clippings**: Instead of discarding them, grass clippings can enrich soil nutrients when left on the lawn or added to compost mixtures.
5. **Care for the Soil**: Focusing on soil health rather than just grass growth leads to better results. Practices like bi-annual aeration and using organic fertilizers enhance microbial activity, promoting healthier lawns.
These practices not only contribute to a greener lawn but also support environmental sustainability.
If assistance is needed with implementing these strategies, services like GreenPal connect homeowners with professional landscapers nationwide.