Published: July 24, 2008 11:37 am            

Green klatching at the local PO

Not being much of a coffee klatcher myself, my chats with friends and acquaintances often tend to be at local stores. Last week, I bumped into one of my neighbors at the Zionsville Post Office (when you live rural with nary a house in sight, a “neighbor” might be anyone living within a couple of miles or so).

“We did what you said,” she blurted out and I wondered what rant I might have been on that she had heard. A blank stare from me encouraged her to continue. “You know,” she went on in explanation, “I fired my lawn company. David (her spouse) wasn’t so sure about that,” she continued as I got more nervous about what I had convinced her to do — it’s never a good idea to come between spouses on lawn issues!

Then I remembered my late winter column suggesting that natural lawn care is easier on the earth, on the pocket book, and even better for you own health. Since there aren’t any professional lawn care companies that offer natural alternatives that I can recommend, I always suggest that homeowners take over the process themselves. “It’s not brain surgery … anyone can do it,” I’ve encouraged. It just takes a bit of knowledge as to what and when, and you are in total control. The basics are simple and if a problem arises (and it seldom does), then you can call in the experts at Purdue.

The simplest part of caring for the lawn is the mowing. Easy enough — raise your cutting blades 3 inches (3 to 4 inches is the professional recommendation from Purdue’s turf experts; most mowing companies mow much lower, which is stressful to the grass.) This mowing is healthy for both the grass and for you; and it’s much cheaper exercise than a gym membership.

Low-maintenance lawn care requires only fall fertilization according to Purdue publications (www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/pubs/AY-27.pdf). An application in September will keep the lawn thick and healthy. A second application should be done in November to encourage a quick “green up” in spring. These applications are sufficient for most home lawns. My neighbors immediately realized the financial benefit by not having up to five professional applications of fertilizer. “The lawn is doing fine,” she said in a surprised tone as if she had expected the grass to turn brown overnight once the chemical applicators stopped coming around. And she added, “David’s happy.” I wasn’t really sure if she meant he was pleased with the lawn or the savings — probably both.

I reminded her she should make sure they use the zero-phosphorus fertilizers that are readily available. Phosphorus is an important nutrient (it’s the P of the N-P-K trio, or the middle number on the fertilizer bags.) Most soils in Indiana have sufficient phosphorus to maintain a good lawn. The only exception is for a new turf, which needs a little extra boost. Overuse of phosphorus is a serious and common problem around lakes where it causes algae blooms. The recent outbreaks of the deadly blue-green algae have also been linked to excess phosphorus. But you don’t have to live lakeside to be contributing to the problem. Excess phosphorus runs off into our underground water and finds its way into nearby creeks and streams. If there is doubt about the quality of the soil, have it tested rather than throwing on the added phosphorus. Zero-phosphorus fertilizer costs no more, but you might want to ask your local hardware store to stock up for fall.

Aerification is one of the best lawn care practices. However, because of the large machinery necessary, it might be a bit more difficult for the average homeowner, but well worth the effort to rent a machine or have it done professionally. Aerating removes cores of soil to improve air movement within the soil and increase water absorption. It also relieves soil compaction, lessens thatch build-up and boosts rooting, all of which improve the health of the turf.

You don’t need to be a brain surgeon to maintain a great looking lawn yourself, contribute to a cleaner environment, and create a healthier you. Purdue has lots of info for the do-it-yourselfer. They have turf tips and full publications, all free on the Internet (www.extension.purdue.edu/gardentips/lawn.html).

“I think it was the bird,” my friend answered without a question being asked. “David noticed the bird yanking up a worm from the grass. That was a sign that our lawn was coming back to life, just like you said it would.”

Lynn Jenkins is a Zionsville resident and publisher of Indiana Living Green. E-mail her at Lynn@IndianaLivingGreen.com.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.