Do you spend your time spraying your lawn with chemicals that hurt the environment and that could also harm those who spend time in your yard? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, you need to get your lawn off drugs.
Aerating Your Lawn
If you manage your lawn with chemicals and pesticides, be sure to aerate at least three times a year in spring, mid-summer and fall. Top-dress with screen compost and pest-resistant seed. However, it is best if you can get your lawn off these abusive chemicals and use organic methods of pest and weed control.
If your lawn has just been sodded, aerate in spring and twice during the summer. Top-dress immediately after aerating with very coarse sand and finely screened compost. Aerate again in the fall, adding pH balancers and fertilizers. These steps must be followed with procedures to minimize pests, disease and weeds throughout the year.
Test for Pests
Before you mow your lawn, select four areas of your lawn to test for pests. These should be approximately one to three feet square, depending on the size of your lawn. One area should be close to a sidewalk or patio. The reason for this is that cement causes soil to heat quickly. This allows insects to multiply at a faster rate.
Examine each area of lawn that you have selected for signs of pests as well as slow growth and yellow or brown spots. If pests seem to be particularly heavy in one area, take a sample for proper identification. Your local garden center is equipped to handle these types of inquiries and will quickly identify the insects that you provide them with.
If you notice dying grass, cut three sides of a one-foot square in the sod, lift and look underneath for root feeders. Count them and collect specimens. Some root feeders pose no threat but certain species are dangerous even in low numbers.
Mix a capful of dish detergent in a pail of water and sprinkle it over the affected area with a watering can. Webworms and pests will come to the surface of the sod where they can be counted.
To detect chinch bugs, remove both ends of a one pound coffee tin. Push it into the sod and fill it with water. Within five minutes, chinch bugs will float to the surface. This method is a great way to involve your children in enjoyable environmental monitoring.