| Spring Clean Up | Fall Clean Up | Fertilizing | Pet Problems |
Mowing
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| Watering | Thatch | Insects | Traffic | Green Time |
Our Philosophy: We do not recommend adding any chemicals to
your lawn. Chemicals kill the micro-organisms that in turn feed your
lawn grass. Healthy lawn organisms = healthy grass which will resist
disease, insects and traffic. Use chemicals to feed your grass and you
must continue using chemicals to feed your grass (even though
chemicals give you "instant gratification"). Using all natural compost
& peat moss is not the "quick fix" so be patient and feed your soil
and you will find your lawn is healthier and more resilient (and safer
for you, your pets and children).
Never use products not meant for bent grasses. Read all labels first.
Spring Clean Up
Cleaning up old leaves and debris will go a long way in ensuring a healthy lawn. Spring clean up includes raking and general cleaning lawn areas. Mowing in the Spring is optional but recommended for "show-case" lawn areas like entrance areas.
Spring is the time to add a layer of peat moss or compost. Do this by
spreading a light layer of compost before the first grass sprouts
leaves. Rake it in lightly if lumps are present.
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Fall Clean Up
Fall is a good time to prepare for next spring by mulch mowing fallen leaves or raking leaves into piles for mulching over flower beds as winter protection.
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Weeds -Though our thicker grass reduces the weed seeds from reaching the soil, some weeds will prevail. Weed seed can enter a lawn from wind, birds, squirrels, on pets and other means. Weeds like crab grass can grow up through 6' of soil. Weeds can be removed by either spot spraying (using any weed killer or vinegar) or torching the weed when the grass is wet.
Don't let weeds go to seed.
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Fertilizing - Again - feed your soil or get into the endless cycle of feeding your grass. Adding a light layer of compost every 3 - 10 years can go a long way in developing a healthy lawn. It is not the quick fix but will improve greatly over time and as your lawn micro-organisms continue their work.
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Pet Problems - For every 50 pounds of pet, you need 1,000 sq feet of space. If that space is not available, then they need to be taken to local pet running areas daily. Your lawn will benefit from composting by having the micro-organisms to break down pet pooh but proper lawn maintenance is still needed.
Pet browning can be reduced by adding a small teaspoon of tomato sauce to your pets' diet monthly.
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Mowing - We recommend a spring mowing to reduce
your grass's tendency to go to seed. Some people mow monthly, others
only mow once in the spring, once early summer and once in the fall.
This does not produce a manicured lawn look. . . it has more of
a short meadow appearance. If you want a manicured look, then mow
monthly - but not during the hot dry season. Stop mowing when
temperatures are over 80 degrees.
Always mulch mow when you do mow - you are feeding back to your soil. Always set your mower to "low mowing in spring" and "HIGH" from June 1st and on.
Since all NoMowGrasses are spreading grasses, there is occasional edging of lawn areas. This can be done by just mowing the edges of the lawn or using an edger (a weed-wacker on it's side).
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Watering- If you must water and do not have access to grey water for this, then water lightly at dusk. Watering lightly three times a week in dessert areas is more beneficial than watering heavily daily since it forces the root system to go deeper. All our grass has a thick root systems which helps to hold moisture in longer so it can go several weeks without any water. Should browning occur, the grass will return when it receives enough moisture.
Grey water is easy to use for lawns but follow these before installing - filter your water before storing it; do not use detergents containing bleach or phosphates; empty the tanks weekly and do not store tanks inside of your living space. Grey water does not have black water material in it from kitchens & toilets. Those are separate systems.
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Thatch- You won't have thatch if you have soil organisms that eat it. If you have a problem with thatch build up - try spraying a mix of 1 cup beer mixed to 10 gallons water on lawn areas. Start doing a yearly routine of adding a layer of compost to your lawn.
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Insects- are a natural part of any eco-system but some are more than a annoyance. Here's some handy recipes:
Fleas can be chased out of house, home & lawn using 1/2 cup mouthwash mixed into 2 gallons water.
Other insects - soak 1 cup stinging nettles in 1 gallon water. Drain and mix 1 cup with water in a spray bottle. Spray areas not used by people or pets.
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Traffic - Our grasses can all withstand medium traffic but for heavy traffic areas try placing a few stepping stones around the area to protect the root system.
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All our grasses have northern hardy green time. This means they are slow to brown over winter, (most green up over January thaws) and they green up early in the spring.
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