Are You Obsessed With Green Lawns?

Americans love their lawns. That lush green carpet spreading out in front of most houses is often of a source of pride for homeowners, and a challenge in the Northwest were the climate is favors moss rather than fescue. Come spring, the lawn becomes the focal point of yard maintenance. However, the pursuit of the pristine lawn has a harsh environmental impact.

King County’s Hazardous Waste Management Program website is an eye-opener of information on chemicals typically used on lawns that are cancer hazards and pose other toxic risks to children, pets, and pregnant women. A 1998 University of Washington study of Seattle-area toddlers found that nearly all of the children tested had metabolites of toxic insecticides in their bodies. They had higher levels if their parents used pesticides on the landscape, according to the study. Shocking, isn’t it?

Perhaps it’s time to redefine ‘the perfect green lawn’ to a lighter shade of meadow green. A few weeds in the lawn is not the end of the world. Accept it. Personally, I find pulling weeds by hand for half an hour quite therapeutic, especially on a rough day. Let's embrace the moss. We do live in the Pacific Northwest after all.

Lawn Care: the ‘sustainable’ way

Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy garden and that applies to lawn as well. Organic matter or compost goes a long way in making the soil rich in nutrients. Spraying compost tea (brewed compost in liquid form) is a great way to improve the health of the soil as well. It spreads beneficial microbes and nutrients on to soil and the plant foliage in a form that is immediately available to the plants.

Turf grasses thrive poorly in acidic soils, especially that of the Pacific Northwest. A simple soil test can help determine the pH of the soil. Accordingly, apply calcium carbonate (calcitic limestone) to the soil every 3-4 years to raise soil pH.

King County and Seattle Public Utilities both recommend the following steps for natural lawn care:

• Mow higher and mow regularly to keep moisture in. Leave grass clippings on the lawn as mulch.
• If needed, use natural organic fertilizers in May or September, after the growth slows down.
• Avoid weed and feed type products.
• Water deeply, but less frequently. Lawns need about an inch of water per week in summer.
• Reduce lawn area, especially from steep slopes, shady areas and wetland areas along streams and lakes.

Poor lawns can be improved in spring by

• Raking and aerating the compacted soil to improve root development and water penetration.
• Over-seeding with grass seed blends adapted to the Northwest to fill out bare spots.
• Top-dressing with ¼ to ½ inch compost to add organic matter to the soil.

Clover Lawns

Botanically speaking, monoculture of one plant species (a.k.a. turf grass) allows pests and diseases to cause rampant damage. This in turn leads to increase in use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Grouping plants that benefit each other (also known as companion planting) increases diversity in the garden.

White Clover (Trifolium repens) is an excellent companion for most turf grasses. It thrives in poor soils, tolerates mowing, stays green in summer, is drought-tolerant, attracts beneficial insects and fixes its own nitrogen, thereby reducing the need to fertilize the lawn. Bees can be discouraged by mowing in summer to remove blooms. Now, that’s a whole lot more advantageous than turf grasses.

During lawn prep in spring, sprinkle clover seeds mixed lightly in sawdust or sand for even spread. Mist daily with water, unless it rains, which it usually does, on the west side of the Cascades. Reseed every three years, or as needed.

Getting rid of the lawn chemicals

If you are now inspired to switch to natural yard care, the best and safest way to dispose the pesticide and garden chemicals is to take them to a Wastemobile Service near you. Note that disposing them in the drain or in the trash is illegal in Washington State because they can leach into the water table or end up in the Puget Sound. For more information on natural yard care, check the county’s website here.

Other Resources for Sustainable Lawn care are:

Organic Lawn Care Manual – Paul Tukey

Soil Food Web – Understanding Compost Tea

Chinook Compost Tea

In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes

Pesticide-Free Zone Sign

Beautiful No-Mow Yards - Evelyn Hadden