Top Environmentally Friendly Grass Tips
Florida homeowners love their lawns, but with the growing threat of climate change, it is only natural to be concerned about the environmental impact. All lawns require a certain amount of water and upkeep to look their best year-round. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep your lawn as environmentally friendly as possible while still maintaining that lush look you love.
Let’s dive into some home yard environmentally friendly green grass tips.
Water Your Yard Strategically
There’s no getting around the fact that lawns need water, but you may not need to water your lawn as much as you might think. Because of our humid climate here in Florida, we get plenty of rain throughout the year, which can greatly reduce the amount of water you need to keep your lawn green. To take advantage of the rain, pay close attention to the weather forecasts. When rain is on the horizon, turn off your sprinklers and let nature do its work.
If there won’t be any rain for a while, it’s fine to use your sprinklers as needed to keep your lawn healthy. If you water during the day when the weather is warm, though, a lot of the water from your sprinklers will evaporate before it even hits the ground. Instead, water during the night when temperatures are cooler. This will ensure that your lawn gets as much water as possible with minimal waste.
It is also a good idea to check your sprinklers periodically to ensure they are spraying water in the right direction. Over time, sprinkler heads can loosen, causing them to move, and they can also be knocked loose by people, pets, cars, and other hazards. The last thing you want is to be watering the sidewalk or your driveway instead of your lawn. Finally, many counties throughout Florida impose watering restrictions, so be sure you are following the specific guidelines for your area to avoid fines.
Choose Sod Suited to the Area
There are many different species of grass, and each is best suited to a particular climate. For your lawn, try to stick with grasses that grow well in Florida’s climate, like Zoysia, St. Augustine and Floratam, for example. Not only will this minimize the amount of work you’ll have to do to keep your lawn looking great, but it will also reduce the amount of water you’ll need, as well as your reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Fertilize Your Lawn and Garden Naturally
It’s important to follow the label instructions on chemical fertilizers and herbicides, as the label is the law. The best natural fertilizer is actually the easiest to apply to your sod. All you have to do is leave grass clippings on your lawn instead of raking or blowing them away. As they break down, their nutrients will make their way back into the soil, acting as natural fertilizer for your lawn.
You can also use yard waste from other areas as fertilizer. Save tree and shrub clippings, as well as deadheads from flowers to use as fertilizer. You can also save your food scraps and other household waste to make compost to fertilize your lawn. This is one of the best possible methods for keeping your lawn healthy, while also reducing the amount of trash you send to landfills over time.
You can aerate your lawn naturally as well, rather than using a machine. Simply buy a bag of earthworms at your local fishing shop or pet store, and let them make their home in your lawn. As they crawl through the dirt, they’ll stir up the soil naturally, allowing your lawn to get plenty of oxygen and nutrients.
Trust Duda Sod for Even More Environmentally Friendly Tips for Your Lawn
Here at Duda Sod, we are committed to helping homeowners throughout Florida maintain healthy, beautiful lawns with minimal negative impact to the environment.
Whether you are looking to install a new lawn using fresh sod or have had your lawn for years, our experts can help you keep it looking its best. We have a wide range of sod for sale and can help you select the perfect variety for your area. If you’re a homeowner, reach out to us today to learn more. We’re always happy to share our expertise!