Weston Logo

Weston Nurseries will be closed Thursday for Thanksgiving, reopening on Friday.

Is “do it yourself” organic lawn a viable option?

Is “do it yourself” organic lawn a viable option?

In the past few years organic lawn care has become a very hot topic. Garden centers have seen a dramatic increase in the number of homeowners interested in moving away from traditional lawn care services to a do it yourself, more organic based lawn program. This program would focus more on improving soils and creating healthy, deep rooted turf less dependent on synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides and other “problem solvers”. When compared with standard four step lawn care, this new approach carries with it several advantages and a few disadvantages.


The decision to sign on for organic lawn care can constitute a serious leap of faith, particularly if the lawn has been maintained using a traditional, more intensive program of multiple high nitrogen fertilizations, along with the preventive use of disease and insect control. (Think old school lawn service). Changing over can require serious adjustments, rethinking the entire concept of lawn care. The first step is to set a reasonable expectation for the lawn for the short term as the transition is made. It would be important to accept the fact that any organic program will require a long term commitment to produce results comparable to the synthetics. You must be willing to enter in to a long term relationship with your grass.


If your the current lawn is in excellent condition, dense, dark green and healthy, the move to organics can be painless. If the lawn is patchy, weedy, and stressed (particularly if this results from poor soils), the transition can be difficult. A program of topdressing high organic soils, mechanical de-thatching, and aerating can combine to correct soil deficiencies. Using natural fertilizers that combine turf nutrition with soil enhancements (humates, beneficial bacteria, and other soil microbials) will provide multiple long term benefits. Over the long haul this ‘feed the soil’ strategy creates a better growing environment for roots, resulting in healthier, denser, less disease prone shoot growth. Minimizing the use of pesticides can protect desirable soil life, including thatch destroying bacteria and fungi. Favorable cultural practices (mowing practices, proper watering technique, etc.) minimize stress. Taken in combination, these common sense steps can bring a certain stability to the turf ecosystem.


For those trying to improve what is currently a mediocre lawn (or worse) via the organic route, you might consider using the “hybrid program”. This would consist of natural fertilizers and limestone, corn gluten weed controls, but synthetic problem solvers for broadleaf control and to contain disease. These chemicals out perform natural products in cases where the problem is severe enough that if ignored, would lead to a significant decline in turf quality. Eventually, as the lawn thickens up again and the turf becomes more vigorous these “reactive” products will not be needed. At that point a completely organic maintenance program can kick in.

Armed with some basic information and inoculated with a dose of reality, there is no reason a do it yourself organic lawn care program couldn’t produce excellent results. Remember that every home lawn situation is unique. Taking the time to time to analyze current conditions and the overall quality of your turf before embarking on any program of care would always make sense.

Share Via:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print
WESTON NURSERIES

Weston Nurseries is committed to being a center for horticultural knowledge. Enjoy!

SEARCH TOPICS
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
SHOP

Shops Trees, Shrubs, & Perennials – in stores and online.

EXPLORE MORE
PLANT CARE
SOCIAL
SEARCH BY MONTH
Archives
EVENTS & CLASSES

Online Shopping at Weston Nurseries

We are excited to offer two unique opportunities to shop online at Weston Nurseries.

Farm To Door™

WN Online Shopping icons_Ship to Door
Plants shipped directly to you!

Browse our online inventory for a huge selection of plants available to ship directly from the farm to your home! Anywhere in the Continental US except states where prohibited by law!*

Shop Our Garden Centers

WN Online Shopping icons-02
Great for large plants and larger orders!

Shop your local store for plants, garden supplies, soil, mulch and more. Then pick up your order at the garden center or arrange for local drop off!

If you are interested in ordering gift cards, please click here!
*Some restrictions may apply to certain states.

FLASH SALE

Memorial Day Weekend Flash Sale On Hydrangeas!

25% off all Hydrangeas this weekend only!

Saturday, May 25th – Monday, May 27th! 

Hydrangeas are a classic and beautiful sign of summer. Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend by sprucing up your yard with some new hydrangeas. Discount applies at all locations.

*Sale Fine Print:

For “Cash and Carry” transactions only. Offer good while supplies last.

No open orders or deliveries for future dates. All Flash Sale products must be taken the same day. Not valid on previous orders. No transfers allowed between stores on any sale items.

Skip to content