A lush green - environmentally friendly - lawn
Having a lush green lawn is easier than you think if you use the right tools. You can be both efficient with your gardening and eco-conscious. If it's lush green lawn that you're after, but also care about your carbon footprint, there are a few tools and practices that can help you have it both ways.
Many of the tips for maintaining a truly green lawn can also save you money and time. While you might be winding down for this year's season, here are a few suggestions you can put into action for next spring for a healthy lawn you can feel good about:
* Give back to your lawn
One of the best treatments for your lawn is to let a layer of clippings settle on the top of your turf after mowing. The clippings decompose and replenish your soil, encouraging positive growth. A common misconception is that leaving the clippings on top of your lawn leads to the development of thatch, when in fact it's usually caused by other conditions. Leaving your clippings only helps your lawn, and lessens the amount of work you have to do.
* Go green with lithium-ion-powered mowers and lawn tools
If you make the switch to a battery-powered mower, you can start your lawnmower easily every time without having to worry about polluting the air. With a Bosch Li-Ion lawnmower you can get the same great performance as a gas mower with up to 70 minutes of run time. The Rotak lawnmower mows with the enormous power previously achieved only by a petrol-driven lawnmower. And thanks to the innovative grass combs, it also provides unique results when cutting close to edges.
* Be wise with your water
With a few strategic adjustments, you can significantly reduce the amount of water you use to keep your lawn healthy. Water less frequently with a good soaking each time, the water you use will go further. Watering in the morning will also help your lawn soak up the water, rather than having it evaporate before it makes it into your soil. Installing a rain barrel is also a great way to reuse the water that runs off your house without ever having to turn on the tap.
* Buy a discerning fertilizer
Chemical fertilizers might offer quick results, but organic fertilizers often provide more staying power as they focus more on improving soil quality rather than the quick fix of applying nutrients directly to the plant. Choose an organic fertilizer that is chlorine-free and promotes microbial action in soils.
* Allow your lawn to protect itself
Mowing too short is a key mistake many people make. A good rule of thumb is to never cut more than one-third of the current height. This will ensure that your grass can develop deep enough roots to thrive and won't get scorched when summer temperatures arrive.
You can have a beautiful, green lawn without putting extra stress on the environment.