A lawn, by definition, is an area of finely mown grass. It brings to mind images of meticulously manicured yards and of hours spent cutting, clipping, and coddling your sward. It can be a drain on your time and money, and dumps tons of harsh pollutants into the air, land, and water. Renowned horticulturist John Greenlee has created a solution to what he calls “the madness of lawn culture”. In his book, The American Meadow Garden, he outlines some of the areas of deepest impact and what we can do to create a more earth friendly and worry free yard. Here are some tips and tricks found in Greenlee’s book and from a few other sources to help your lawn and garden grow more greenly:
Perspiration vs. Pollution Consider using manual lawn tools as an alternative to gasoline powered ones. Greenlee’s text estimates that in the three-county Los Angeles Basin alone, mowers, blowers, and edgers create 22 tons of air pollution per day. While the Los Angeles Basin population is roughly equal to that of the entire state of Oklahoma, it’s not uncommon on a sunny afternoon to hear the whirring and rumbling of machines whose jobs could be achieved with a motor-free push mower and a rake. These alternatives, although more labor intensive, are completely emissions free options.
Water, Water Everywhere Water conservation is another important step on the road to greener pastures. You can water your lawn or garden more effectively, while still lessening the water you consume. If you want to make your lawn more able to withstand drought you can practice watering your lawn more deeply. Frequent shallow watering can prevent roots from growing deep into the soil. However watering slowly, deeply and only when your lawn needs it can better root your plants into the soil. Try to imitate a slow and soaking rain, a properly used soaker hose or trickle irrigation can do the trick. A few signs your lawn needs water, when it is first beginning to wilt, dull in color, and footprints stay compressed for more than a few seconds. Overwatering your lawn can be just as harmful if not more so than under watering. Also, when you do water, it is healthier to water your lawn early in the morning. Much of the water from daytime watering, especially during the summer, is lost to evaporation.
A Bug’s Life The improper use of pesticides introduces an overwhelming amount of harmful chemicals into the environment. The term pesticides include insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Greenlee’s book explains that fungicides usually contain heavy metals; and insecticides are insidious, killing the good bugs along with the bad. He also cites that despite the alert given by Rachel Carson in her Silent Spring (1962), the bald eagle and the California condor were almost lost. Biologists are still researching the links between the increasing chemical presence and the decreasing amphibian populations in our progressively warmer and drier world. So, as you are planning strategies for pest control it is important to separate the good bugs from the bad ones. Ladybugs actually eat leaf chewing insects, and even though you may want to get rid of those leaf munching caterpillars now someday they’ll be pollinating butterflies. These chemical can also be harmful to birds, including those who keep tick populations down. If you must resort to chemical violence, there are more humane alternatives. Look for CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) free options, as well as insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and products that contain a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (BT). It is important to remember that even safer options have risks, like insect resistance, so they should be used as sparingly as possible and with the utmost caution.
Go Native A great way to create a healthier lawn with far less maintenance is to utilize the native splendors of your environment. By using beautiful native plants you can create a lawn or garden that is perfectly suited for rainfalls, soil types, climatic conditions, and more resistant to the pests in your area. This is the main theme of The American Meadow Garden. Greenlee notes that all regions of this great country of have their own native sods, which, with very little mowing or cutting, grow naturally as a turf. In recent years, the increasing awareness of the ecologies that once flourished has brought to light native grasses and sedges that make naturally or “meadow” lawns. These native plants, found in nature before urbanization and modern development, are short by nature, reducing the amount of mowing required for them to stay low. If you’re willing to relinquish your conventional lawn you can create a lush and environmentally friendly corner of the world to enjoy. Courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin, you can visit www.wildflower.org to find a lists and images of plants native to Oklahoma.
Foul Flora In addition to growing plants that are native to the environment, it is imperative to avoid invasive plants. Introducing these plants can be irrevocably damaging to delicate ecologies. So much so, that some species are even illegal to plant in Oklahoma. The mission of the Oklahoma Invasive Plant Council is to enable efficient and effective management of invasive plants for the protection of the economic and natural resources of Oklahoma’s private and public land and water. For more information and list of invasive plants, visit www.ok-invasive-plant-council.org or the United States Department of Agriculture’s www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov.
Friendly Fertilizing The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that most trees and shrubs get all the nutrients they need from the soil. However, some annual plants, vegetable gardens and lawns need additional nutrients from a fertilizer. They recommend when shopping for fertilizer, look for a product that contains "natural organic" or "slow-release" ingredients. Unlike "quick-release" fertilizers, natural organic or "slow-release" fertilizers feed your plants slowly and evenly. This produces healthier plants with stronger root systems and no excessive "top growth”. It can save you time and money. An added benefit of using a “slow-release" fertilizer is reduced nutrient run-off into ground and surface waters. Improper use of fertilizers can damage beneficial soil life that is essential for healthy soils and plants. Excess chemicals can also find their way into ground water, streams and lakes where they can contaminate drinking water and harm fish and other wildlife. It is imperative to always read and follow product labels carefully before using fertilizer and any other lawn chemical, and ensure you avoid application of these products to impervious surfaces to avoid run-off. You can get more information by visiting www.epa.gov.
Recycle and Reuse When possible, used recycled or repurposed material in your garden. Mulch is made from recyclable materials, is non-toxic to pets and children, and is resistant to mold and fungus. Lawn or patio furniture is another great place to enjoy recyclables. You can buy new furniture made from recycled material or repurpose and old favorite for use outdoors. Either is a great way to incorporate greener material into your lawn or garden.
There are many ways to reduce your impact and enjoy lush landscapes. A little planning and research can go a long way. Just remember to always “think green”, especially when it comes to your lawn and garden.