Here in Maine, we take pride in our natural resources. Keeping the environment healthy and beautiful is important to us, so it just makes good sense for the earth to be as sustainable as possible when caring for our lawns.
Eco-friendly lawn care is a great way to maintain a healthy lawn and be eco-conscious. There are many ways to do this, and in this post, we’ll explore five of the best environmentally friendly lawn care tips.
1. MINDFUL WATERING
As a Southern Maine resident, you know how important it is to use water efficiently. Many homeowners are looking for ways to be more eco-friendly and reduce their water usage.
Choose your plants wisely
One simple way to reduce water waste is to choose drought-tolerant plants for your yard. These plants are less likely to need extra watering, even during periods of dry weather.
Time your watering
When it comes to watering your lawn, be sure to do it early in the morning or later in the evening. This will help prevent evaporation, so you can be sure that your lawn is getting the moisture it needs without waste.
Use rain barrels
Another way to mindfully water your lawn is to collect rainwater in barrels and use it later to water the lawn. This is a great way to save water, as you’re using water that would otherwise be wasted. It’s also eco-friendly, as you’re not using treated tap water or drawing water from groundwater sources.
Simply place a barrel at the bottom of a downspout and ensure it has a tight-fitting lid to keep out debris and mosquitoes. (You can also add a spigot to attach a hose easily and a watering can.)
When it rains, the barrel will fill up with water. Then, when your lawn starts to look dry, you can use this stored water to keep your property healthy.
2. FERTILIZE CAREFULLY
In 2008, Maine became the first state to ban the sale of phosphorous fertilizers. This was due to a large amount of runoff from rain and snow being washed into lakes and oceans.
To be more earth-conscious, it's also essential to be mindful of the products you use to care for your lawn. Many conventional fertilizers contain harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to the environment. Fortunately, there are now many eco-friendly alternatives to choose from.
By using more sustainable fertilizers, you can help reduce the type of pollution Maine saw prior to banning phosphorus fertilizers. Again, there are various eco-friendly products available, so you can find one that meets your needs. You can also talk to your local lawn care and landscaping service about eco-friendly lawn care options.
3. BIOPESTICIDES VS. PESTICIDES
Another important eco-friendly lawn care consideration is what type of pesticide you use.
Biopesticides are becoming more popular lately, as they are made from natural elements and are therefore eco-friendly. Additionally, biopesticides effectively control the insect population without killing all insects immediately.
This is a significant advantage over traditional pesticides, which can be harmful for both people and the environment. If you are looking for an eco-friendly way to control pests on your lawn, biopesticides are worth considering.
4. THINK ABOUT EQUIPMENT
When it comes to eco-friendly lawn care, one of the best things you can do is choose electric over gas-powered machines.
Gas-powered lawn equipment like mowers, weed eaters, and leaf blowers consume gasoline; gas pollutes the environment by releasing harmful hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and other pollutants.
Electric lawn care equipment is eco-friendly because it doesn't produce emissions. It's also quieter than gas-powered equipment, so you won't disturb your neighbors while mowing the lawn.
Another benefit of electric lawn care equipment is that it requires less maintenance than gas-powered machines. So not only is it better for the environment, but it's also easier to use and maintain. Electric lawn care equipment is a great choice for eco-conscious homeowners for all these reasons.
5. ALLOW GRASS CLIPPINGS AND LEAVES TO DECOMPOSE
There are many benefits to leaving your grass clippings and leaves on the ground when it comes to eco-friendly lawn care. It not only reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, but it also helps replenish the soil with essential nutrients.
Grass clippings and leaves are a valuable food source for your lawn and garden, and by removing them, you may be depriving your plants of a key element of their diet.
In addition, by leaving your clippings and leaves on the ground, you’re helping to insulate the soil, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. As a result, your lawn and garden will be healthier and better able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
So, there you have it: our top tips for eco-friendly lawn care. If you’re looking for more in-depth advice or would like to speak with an expert about your specific needs, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always happy to help!
And for help in the greater Buxton, Maine area with your landscaping needs, contact us at Prime Cut Landscaping & Lawn Care today!