Lawn Care Tips

How your lawn can be an environmental hero and a water pruification system with proper turf managemant practices:

You may already know that well-maintained lawn and landscapes can add 5 to 7 percent to a property's value. But did you know that a dense, healthy turf is an environmental hero? According to a recent Gallup survey, a growing number or Americans—23 percent—do recognize the environmental benefits of turf.
You can do your part for the environment in your own yard!
A key environmental benefit of a healthy lawn is improved water quality. Lawns help keep our lakes and streams clean by allowing rainwater to filter into the soil rather than running into storm sewers, sometimes washing away valuable soil. Healthy, dense lawns absorb rainfall, preventing run-off and erosion.
According to scientific research, turf promotes high populations of microorganisms in the thatch layer and topsoil. These microorganisms break down impurities, making turf an excellent water filter.
Studies at several nationally recognized universities have documented that well-managed turf has the greatest capacity for absorbing and holding water than any other ground cover. The result is less runoff, and better water quality.
In the pamphlet "Healthy Lawn, Healthy Environment," the Environmental Protection Agency noted turf's environmental qualities:
“Thick grass prevents soil erosion, filters contaminants from rainwater, and absorbs many types of airborne pollutants, like dust and soot. Grass is also highly efficient at converting carbon dioxide to oxygen, a process that helps clean the air"

Here are a few pointers:

SOIL:
Consider having your soil sampled and analyzed. Make sure your soil has the correct pH level and key nutrients for healthy growth.

GRASS:
Only use name, improved variety mixtures or blends that grow well in your climate, meet your quality expectations and can accommodate your lawn activities (like heavy use by children at play).

MOWING:
Mow at the highest recommended height and mow often, never removing more than one- third of the leaf surface. Keep lawn mower blades sharp and grasscycle. Grasscycling, or leaving clippings on the lawn when you mow, allows nutrients to return to the soil.

WATERING:
Rule of thumb: water deeply but not too often. In general, watering should moisten the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. This requires an application of a half inch of water on coarse, sandy soil, and 1 inch on heavy- or fine-textured soil. Too much water can cause water quality and grass problems, increasing the chance of fungus, or runoff and leaching of nutrients. And, it's a waste of our precious water resources.

FERTILIZATION AND PEST CONTROL.
Apply the right amount and kind of fertilizer and pest control products at the right time, and only when needed. Follow all label instructions and precautions.

MORE HELPFUL TIPS THAT PROTECT WATER RESOURCES

Calibrate your fertilizer spreader.

Calibrate your water sprinkler using tin cans spaced throughout the lawn to estimate now many inches of water is applied to the lawn per minute.
Measure your lawn properly before any application.

Don't exceed the per /1,000 square feet recommendations for each lawn care product.

Identify any weed, insect or disease before selecting a treatment method. If using pest control products, consider spot applications.

As always, if you have any questions about how to properly match your watering system to the needs of your lawn, please call ANRIK IRRIGATION.

Watering Made Easy

Route 13 Brookline, NH 03033

1-877-66ANRIK -or- 603-672-1431