While lawns are a great place to relax and enjoy your property, they do require upkeep. Unfortunately, many common lawn care products like pesticides and herbicides are toxic to humans and pets. Use the following guide for natural tips and tricks to maintain a healthy lawn during the summer.
Natural Ways to Maintain a Healthy Lawn
When working to maintain a healthy lawn, there are natural alternatives you can use to keep it looking great. Herbicides are often used by homeowners to kill weeds and unwanted species of grass.
However, studies have shown that some types of herbicides are harmful to your health and to the environment. Pesticides can also be dangerous for people and pets. Try these more natural ways to keep your lawn looking green this summer.
Dealing with Weeds
Instead of using chemical herbicides on your lawn, pull the weeds by hand. Use other tactics to stop weeds from growing in the first place. Place wood chips or mulch over areas that tend to grow weeds to slow their growth. Large bushes often keep weeds from growing in their shade. Mow the yard to reduce the appearance of weeds. When weeds are cut to the same height as the grass in your yard, they often look the same as grass.
Choose the Right Grass for a Healthy Lawn
Some species of grass are very good at crowding out weeds. Choose a type of grass that grows quickly in your area to reduce the spread of weeds in a yard.
Try Natural Ways of Dealing with Pests
Dealing with insects and other pests can be more difficult. Pesticides are some of the most toxic chemicals that homeowners apply to their yards. Spraying the yard with essential oils like lavender and peppermint will deter pests without causing harm to the lawn.
Predator Insects
For insects, consider introducing predators that help rid your yard of problem pests. For example, many gardeners have problems with aphids. To get rid of aphids, add ladybugs to your garden. Ladybugs will kill aphids quickly and easily. Ladybugs don’t damage plants since their primary food source is insects.
Praying mantis pods are also a good addition to your lawn and garden. A single praying mantis kills hundreds of insects every day. Buy a single pod for only a few dollars at a garden shop. Praying mantis pods take several weeks to hatch, but once they’ve hatched, hundreds of them emerge to consume mosquitos, ants, beetles, and a variety of other pesky insects.
Instead of using chemicals to maintain a healthy lawn, consider natural alternatives instead. You can keep your lawn looking healthy and green all summer while keeping your property safer for your family and pets.
Manor Home Inspection provides home inspection services to the Greater Boston area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.