Ecologically Sound Lawn Care
Lawn Care: An Ecosystem Approach
Like forests or prairie grasslands, lawns are dynamic ecosystems: communities of plants, soil, and microbes; insects and earthworms and the birds that feed on them; and humans who mow, water, fertilize, and play on the lawn. The interactions of all these community members shape the dynamic equilibrium we see as a lawn. Understanding and working within the natural processes that shape the lawn and its soil community can yield a durable, beautiful lawn that is easier to care for. As it turns out, these ecologically sound methods will also help reduce water use, waste generation, and water pollution.
Why Make A Change?
The ecological approach to lawn care described in this report has several advantages, including:
- Reduced mowing time and fertilizer needs, and improved turf color, quality, and density.
- Enhanced resistance to diseases and weed invasion.
- Improved nutrient availability, and less soil compaction, acidification, and thatch buildup.