Organic Lawn, Tree and Shrub Care

The key to achieving measurable results from organic lawn care programs relies on a combination of practices. It requires soil, nutrient and pH testing, nutritional feeding and soil amendments, and it also requires the use of certain cultural practices. With practices such as infrequent deep watering, mowing grass to between 3.5 to 4 inches, mulching clippings and leaves, you can help contribute much needed organic matter to what is predominately mineral soil. Similarly, using compost, organic fertilizer and bio-stimulants will substantially contribute to improving the health of soil biology. Regularly scheduled aeration insures oxygenation of turf root zones, which creates the optimum medium for healthy and high quality turf. This is especially effective when core aeration is combined with scarification and vertical slicing for intensive seeding.

Biodiversity is the keystone for success. This means using blends and combinations of premium varieties, species, and cultivars which correspond to the appropriate soil, traffic and climate zone. Perennial rye grass is an example of a Northern turf and a turf type fescue corresponding for use in high traffic areas. Fine and red fescues are best used in shady areas. Proper selection of turf grass species in regards to light, soil and traffic use is critical to achieve the greatest performance and success from any lawn care program, but especially with an organic one. Nothing prevents weed and crabgrass growth as well as intensive reseeding. For more information, see: Grassroots Environmental Education, Umass, Rutgers, Uconn, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Northeast Organic Farming Association, Safe Lawns. It is important to remember, an organic lawn and landscape is safe, healthy, sustainable and GREEN.

The same basic principles apply to growing and caring for shrubs, trees, flower and edible (fruit, vegetable and herb) gardens. It all starts with the soil, and pH level is absolutely critical to plant performance. The philosophy of organic gardening is to encourage and support life, not to kill and destroy living Earth organisms with inorganic poisons, pesticides and practices. Once again, by encouraging life, organisms and biodiversity, we establish an ecosystem with a built in immune system naturally designed to defend itself against pest overpopulation and disease. Grow healthy plants naturally. Do no destroy our precious natural resources. We should be able to touch, taste and eat our plants. Let us help you design, create, develop, build and care for a "Life Giving Landscape".