Your pets chase lizards in it, your children roll around in it, and every single week during the summer, you spend hours tending to it — your Spring Hill lawn. When you think of all the time you and your loved ones spend in the oasis you’ve created in your back (or front) yard, it’s easy to understand why organic lawn care is such an attractive option, but is it the right option for you? Here are a few things to consider to help you with your decision.
The Potential Dangers of a Non-organic Lawn
- While we’ve already established that your favorite two-legged and four-legged family members could be harmed by traipsing around your non-organic yard, there are some very specific reasons some people are opting for organic:
Non-organic fertilizers have been linked to cancer — including myeloma, leukemia, colon, and ovarian — in both humans and animals - Non-organic fertilizers have also been linked to miscarriages, birth defects, and infertility
- The run-off of non-organic fertilizers causes algae growth, which can be deadly to marine life
- Non-organic fertilizers also kill earthworms and other organisms that are beneficial to your lawn
- Toxic fertilizers can also burn your lawn and ruin your soil
The Drawbacks of Going Organic
Obviously, if organic lawn care were flawless, everyone would be doing it. While it’s unquestionably better for your family, there are a few drawbacks involved:
- Organic lawn care is more expensive than non-organic
- The results of organic lawn care are less predictable and can take longer than synthetics
- Organic lawn care generally requires more time than traditional lawn care, which means more yard time for you
An Easy Way to Get Started
You could spend countless hours (and dollars) to get your organic lawn underway, but here is the simplest way to get started:
- Use a push or electric mower, as gas mowers emit hydrocarbons into the atmosphere
- Leave lawn clippings behind as a natural fertilizer
- No buzz cuts for your grass; keep the blades at 3–4 inches to prevent the soil and root system from getting dehydrated
- Only water your lawn when it’s dry; during our rainy season, keep your sprinkler timers off and opt for manual irrigation instead
If you’re interested in going all the way with an organic lawn, there are plenty of resources on the internet that will help you get started.
Whether your lawn is organic or non-organic, the folks at Challenger Irrigation are here to help with all of your irrigation needs. From installations to repairs, we do it all. Contact our Hernando County office to schedule a consultation.
