Natural Lawn Care Quiz Posted on May 19th, 2021 in Check all the boxes that apply to your home lawn practices. Soil Health I have my soil tested to determine nutrient needs. I do not apply fertilizer if my grass does not need it. I leave grass clippings, which adds nutrients and improves soil health. I carefully read and follow the fertilizer label. (Tip: Contact your local University Extension Service for fertilizer recommendations based on turfgrass species and climate.) Water Management I only water my lawn when necessary—no more than one inch per week, including rainfall. (Tip: Measure using a rain gauge or tuna can.) When my lawn needs water, I water deeply and infrequently in the mornings between 5:00 am and 9:00 am to lower the risk of evaporation and the chance for disease. I reduce watering and let my lawn go dormant (turn brown) during periods of drought lasting less than 4-6 weeks. I have done one or more of the following: installed rain gardens, rain barrels, permeable pavers; redirected downspouts to lawn and landscape beds; included native plants into my landscape design. Landscape Design I have reduced any unnecessary lawn area based on my needs. I replaced turfgrass with native plants. I have chosen turfgrass species adapted to the growing conditions of my lawn. Maintenance Practices I cut grass to a height of 3-4”. I only cut 1/3 of the total grass height at a time. I maintain my mower blades by sharpening them at least twice a year to reduce damage to grass blades. I sweep excess fertilizer and grass clippings into the lawn and off of sidewalks and driveways. If weed or pest problems arise, I hand pick weeds if possible or correctly identify the problem and spot-treat with recommended products. I core aerate my lawn to reduce compaction, control thatch and increase water absorption. I overseed to fill in bare spots and increase turf density in thinned areas. Time's up
Lawn to Lake
