This year, bring your lawn back to life the eco-friendly way. To save money, start planning now.
Part of creating a green yard is your plant choices. Go with indigenous (native) or hardy varieties because they require less water and fertilizing. Most hardiness zone areas give you hundreds of options, from azaleas to zelkova trees.
From sowing to maturity, your plants need water. Set sprinklers to run during the coolest part of the day so water will not evaporate as quickly, giving it time to soak in. This will keep your water needs, and bill, down.
Once your garden is growing, consider how you feed and protect it. Many common fertilizers and pesticides have toxic chemicals that can run off into drains and water sources. Many experts say that, if tracked into your home on feet and paws, toxins can linger without sunlight, water, and soil microbes to break them down.
To crowd out weeds, seed bare and thin spots in lawns, add mulch gardens and flower beds. Fertilize with products that are low in soluble nitrogen and, for a truly green garden, go organic for slow nutrient release and fewer toxins.
Use compost and mulch to reduce water use. Compost keeps plants healthy so they require less water. Mulch helps keep soil moist.
Set mower blades to cut grass as high as possible (at least 3 inches). Taller grass shades its own roots and requires less water.
For new lawns, plant perennial ryegrass and drought-tolerant fescue. These types need less watering and chemical care.
Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com.
