KID-FRIENDLY lawns

With these tips, you and your whole family can enjoy a healthy yard.

Nothing compares to sprawling out on freshly cut grass. Keeping the lawn lush and green, however, can take a toll on your weekends or your wallet.

Phil Catron, of NaturaLawn of America, thinks there's a better alternative. "Lawns are in a constant state of change," he says. "The soil changes, the trees get taller, and the shade gets deeper. Take notice of these changes, and work to keep the soil healthy."

the natural keys

This sentiment is surprisingly revolutionary. "I always tell new customers that getting a healthy lawn is just like building a house," says Phil. "If you take your time to build a solid foundation, you'll get a great end product that stands the test of time."

To build a solid foundation for a lawn, Phil uses a combination of natural organic-based fertilizers and aeration equipment. By adding compost and other organic materials to the soil, it is less likely to become susceptible to weeds, disease, and insects. Next he recommends running a core-aerator over the lawn and overseeding every two years to open up the soil and allow the organic matter to penetrate to a deeper level.

a healthy compromise

Use as few pesticides as possible to achieve an attractive landscape. While it's important to accept that natural lawn care can't provide instant results, the long-term results are always better. A healthy lawn won't require as much care, which equals less time and money. -EDWIN MARTY

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Apr 2006
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