The fascination of homeowners with a lush and green lawn is something that has developed over time and is still “growing” strong. According to a 2019 survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 81 percent of all Americans have a lawn and 79 percent said a lawn is an important feature when buying or renting a property. .
Although lush lawns are still coveted, due to drought, the financial climate and even invading insect populations, many people are taking inventory of their landscapes and deciding whether a lawn is a priority, even going so far as to reinvent their spaces with lawn alternatives. . However, there are ways to keep properties green, no matter which route is taken. Here’s a look at some eco-friendly ways to tackle a landscape.
Irrigate from below
There are many ways to water landscapes, but homeowners may want to take their cues from the commercial agricultural industry. Drip irrigation systems use a network of valves, pipes, and tubes near plant roots or underground. Such systems are more efficient than surface irrigation options, helping to save water and nutrients in the soil.
Water first
Scotts Lawn Care suggests watering a lawn in the morning before 10 am when it is cooler and the winds tend to be calm. This ensures that water can be absorbed into the soil and grass roots before evaporation. Midday watering can cause the water droplets on the lawn blades to heat up and actually burn the lawn.
Plant a new type of grass
Homeowners can experiment with eco-friendly grass seed mixes that mix native grasses and may not require as much water or ideal growing conditions.
Use green alternatives
Rather than focusing only on grass, some owners are turning to alternatives such as clover and even moss, particularly if their landscapes do not have the most pristine growing conditions. This can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and herbicides. The result is always a green, inviting garden.
Look at the height of the lawn
Mowing too frequently or at too low a height can compromise the lawn’s ability to thrive. Grass cut to the proper height develops a deep root system to better locate water and nutrients in the soil. That means homeowners don’t need to water as much or as often. Taller lawns also shade the soil and roots, reducing some evaporation.
Comp
Leave the clippings on the lawn to break down and further feed nutrients to the lawn, helping it look greener and thrive. In addition, rely on supplementation with compost to enhance the nutrient profile in the soil. The National Resources Defense Council says that composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, into valuable fertilizer. It doesn’t take much to grow compost in a garden.
Green landscapes are possible with a few tips that help conserve water and maximize natural resources.
