P.O Box 274 Lincoln, Massachusetts
Phone: (781) 237-2446 E-mail: Jonathan@bransfieldtree.com
Organic Lawn Care
Organic lawn care and gardening begins with a commitment to the environment. Habitat fragmentation is occurring all over the United States, especially around cities, and even in farming communities. Discontinuous land use breaks up large blocks of habitat such as forests, grasslands, and marshes. Subdivisions, roads and fences are being built at a fast rate. The survival of many plants and animals are threatened. Exotic plants have escaped into the wild, threatening native species. Introduced insects such as the imported fire ant have altered entire ecosystems by preying on native microbes, insects, and the young of small animals. A more organic approach to landscape design and gardening is in order. It is no longer a fad!
Private residences and other developed properties hold a great potential for restoring quality, quantity, and richness of the plant and wildlife habitat that has been displaced. By maintaining a healthy habitat in our yards, we create healthier living. Plants in richly vegetated spaces absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, thus renewing our air supply. Plant foliage captures dust and other pollutants, purifying the air we breathe. Vegetated areas aid in erosion and soil conservation. Plant roots hold soils in place, while plants impede water runoff.
A diverse landscape containing many species of plants not only supports an abundance of wildlife, it is also less prone to large scale devastation from insect pests or diseases.
The Right Plants in the Right Places
Native plants are almost always the best choice for trouble-free gardening. Once established, native plant species require only minimal attention from the home gardener. This translates into a reduction of extensive soil amendments, less watering, less need for the use of chemicals, and less pampering.
A new consciousness has emerged among gardeners, both professional and amateur. People are overcoming the desire to dominate and harness nature in their gardens. Instead, a sensitivity to regional conditions has developed, increasing the use of native plants and naturalistic styles such as rock, prairie, desert, and meadow gardens. Incorporate a variety of plants. Diverse plantings provide food and cover for a variety of living things.
Native plants aren't indestructible, but as a group they are hardier than exotics because they are adapted to their locales. They are the most likely to be the only survivors of "record" freezing temperatures, hail, drought, or other climatic catastrophes that can damage your yard. Native plants, the ones that grow around us on the roadsides and vacant lots, and those that grow in old hay meadows and quiet woods where few of us see them, conserve their resources because nature has spent thousands of years adapting them to their particular soil and climate.
Properly placed trees and shrubs can save home heating and cooling costs. Planted on the west or southwest side of a home, large deciduous shade trees will shelter the home from the onslaught of the hot summer sun. In the winter, the trees lose their leaves and allow the sun's rays to warm the house. Shrubs close to the house help insulate the house from hot and cold temperatures. Layers of plants of medium to tall size will help eliminate street noise. S oils are the foundation of life. They serve as an anchor for plant roots. Plants need live, healthy, balanced soil for productive growth and protection against pests.
Gardens have one or a combination of soil types, including clay, silt, loam, sandy loam, sand, gravel, and rock. All soils have five major components: organic matter, minerals, water, air, and living organisms. The seldom-discussed living organisms and very important and consist of earthworms, insects, plants, algae, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
Healthy soils need a balance of mineral nutrients, approximately the following percentages:
- Calcium 65 to 70 percent;
- Magnesium 12 to 22 percent;
- Potassium 4 to 5 percent and other trace minerals.
The pH should be between 6.3 and 6.8.
Sometimes the healthy balance has been negatively affected by the application of harsh synthetic fertilizers and chemicals, and the regular removal of dead organic matter. What many of us are left with is dry, sterile dirt.
To best correct the soil, you may wish to determine its chemical characteristics by having it tested. The tester should be a company that will give you detailed information about your soil's chemical composition as well as organic fertilizer recommendations. Local nurseries or Agricultural Extension Offices may be able to furnish this service.
One of the best soil tests is to dig out a piece of soil measuring 12" by 12" by 7" deep and count the earthworms. If there aren't several, you need more air and organic matter.
The structure of the soil at depths of 12" and 24" is important for drainage and deep root development, but the structure of the top 7" is the most important. That's where air, organic microbes, earthworms, and feeder roots are concentrated. Mulch is a material spread on top of the ground to benefit soil and plant health, and make landscape maintenance easier. It is one of the easiest, least expensive, and most effective things you can do to improve your yard and the environment. Mulching benefits are as follows:
- Prevents soil compaction
- Prevents erosion
- Suppresses weeds
- Captures rainwater and irrigation water and retains soil moisture
- Protects roots from the sun's heat
- Protects plant crowns from winter cold
- Protects and stimulates healthy microbal activity in the soil
- Adds nutrients to the soil as the mulch breaks down
- Mulch all areas that are not in grass or thick ground cover
- To prevent diseases and pest infestation, avoid piling mulch against tree trunks.
- Use a layer of coarse mulch 3" or more in depth for weed control.
- Cover perennials with several inches of loose mulch to protect from winter cold.
- Spread mulches under annuals after they are 4" to 6" tall.
- Water the ground thoroughly before and after applying a mulch cover.
Some good mulching materials are: compost, grass clippings (dried), shredded leaves, old straw, wood shavings or bark chips. Avoid using plastics, fabric, or gravel. They are unattractive, and don't break down into humus for the soil.
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