Tips for a Healthier and More Eco-Friendly Lawn

A few simple tricks that'll go a long way in making your lawn a more sustainable part of your outdoor space .

A freshly and healthy backyard lawn. Image by Kat Aul Cervoni

There's something to be said about the velvety allure of a perfectly clipped, evenly green, lush lawn. That said, keeping a lawn looking healthy and happy can be a bear to many homeowners, and solutions to doing so successfully and in an eco-friendly can be elusive. Here are a few strategies we've started incorporating into our lawn care practices that will hopefully help you check off both boxes next time you're out tending to the yard. 

 1. Switch to an organic fertilizer (i.e., take a pass on the Scotts!)

• We're big fans of products from Espoma and Jonathan Green.

2.  Change your watering routine - deeper waterings less frequently

• Short, frequent waterings encourage shallow roots which keeps grass weak and unable to defend itself during times of extreme heat and drought.

• Deeper, less frequent waterings encourages deeper roots and stronger grass. Shoot for 1-2 times per week for about 30 minutes (2 if there's no rain in the forecast and temps are above 86 degrees).

•   *EXCEPTION* This doesn't apply to newly planted grass which needs to be watered daily until established (after about 2-3 weeks).

3. Mow higher

• A taller lawn means less weeds and also needs less watering

• Shoot for a minimum of 3" tall, and plan on mowing about once per week during late spring through early fall.