Low Impact Lawn Care
A lot of people who think about the environment and efforts to improve sustainability think about “big ticket” items. However, it really isn’t about the “big ticket” items like landfills or oil spills. The bulk of the damage we do to our environment is done on the individual level and then magnified by millions or billions. That’s why it is important for all us to look at our day-to-day activities and try to find ways to reduce our impact on the environment.
One common area we can all seek to improve our impact is lawn care and landscaping. For many suburbanites the absolute goal of the summer is to have a lawn that is greener than the Jones’ at all costs. So each spring we can find an army of suburbanites dumping pounds of harmful chemicals and nitrates on their lawns. I’m sure that most of these well-meaning home owners have not considered the cost and impact their ultra-green lawn has on the environment at large–and it is probably not feasible to try and convince them. The better solution is to teach them how to achieve maximum greeness and neighborhood domination without the use of harmful chemicals.
The recent revival of the environmental movement has spurred the growth of a cottage industry of green lawn care companies. This movement, largely pioneered by Seattle landscape companies and other progressive landscape companies has been gaining traction.
“This is not something that is driven by the marketing efforts of landscape and lawn care companies,” said Andy Nicholls of Ecoyards, LLC based in Seattle, Washington, “this is driven by a very strong consumer demand for environmental responsibility in all services and goods.”
Environmentally sustainable lawn care can be as simple as recycling rainwater for irrigation; use of natural pesticides; and implementation of a compost program.
Tags: green landscaping, green lawn care, Landscaping, seattle landscaping, seattle lawncare
January 7th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Even though there is so snow on the ground it’s important to start preparing for lawn care. How do the green lawn companies compare to the chemical quick fix companies?
January 16th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
One thing that scares me about green landscaping or landscaping people in general, is the overkill on how many times to apply applications. I think it is best to talk to your county extensions and find out how many time you should fertilize, etc. Two “green” companies were advising me to do mulitple applications when it wasn’t needed. I advise that you should educate yourself first before speaking to a landscaping company.
Realize that the cost for organic lawn care is very expensive. This is the case in the northest where I live. If a company does both regular and organic, they might tell you that if you are not happy with your lawn, then they will use chemicals.
I treat my lawn organically myself and I am probably doing an okay job. I use corn gluten in the spring for crabgrass and I use a liguid seaweed product in the summer and fall. In addition, I did a soil test on my lawn to see what it was lacking. Most county have extensions or you can order it on line. I choose to treat my lawn myself because it was so expensive. I may have them organically treat the trees in the fall and spray them organically for the winter because I would have no idea if the trees were sick.
If you have to chose between chemicals and organic, and money is not a concern,absolutely go organic.
In addition, you have to lower your expectations. There will be crab grass and dandelions if you use organic. Some people expect the perfect lawn. I just live with all of its clover and imperfections. Organic is the way to go. No more dragging in pesticides into my house. Anna http://www.green-talk.com
January 16th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I just want to clarify about organic versus chemicals. If money is not a concern for you and you want to hire a green company, I would advise it. Otherwise, you can treat your lawn yourself. There are some great products out there you can try.
March 5th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
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