Green the Grass: Eco-friendly Lawn Care Tips

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Photography by Barbara Bourne
Native plants are better adapted to the climate, and they can withstand local weather and diseases.

The quest to have the first green lawn after a long cold winter coupled with the desire to maintain the vibrant color has become a $12 billion industry. The national average for professional lawn care is $1,000 annually for mowing, weeding and watering services. Resource-intensive pesticides, fertilizers, seeds and extensive watering negatively affect the planet and your wallet.

The only thing green about our lawns is the color. Follow these lawn care tips to have a greener, more eco-friendly lawn.

Mulching troubled spots is a great way to prevent weeds from growing and is a great way to maintain moisture in dry areas. In addition to this, adding mulch reduces the chances of soil erosion and protects the soil from compacting during a rainstorm. Mulch consists of anything from grass clippings and chopped tree bark to plastic and brick chips.  

Try adding native plants to your lawn for a touch of natural beauty. Native plants, trees, or shrubs require minimal maintenance and have adapted to the climate, which usually means these plants can withstand local weather and diseases.

Xeriscaping is great option for a drier climates or drought-prone areas. Xeriscaping requires minimal time, maintenance and water. For a successfully xeriscaped garden, use local plants that can handle droughts. With a good plan and plants that require little watering, you can transform a water-guzzling lawn into an eco-friendly green space..

  • Published on Jun 12, 2009
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