A 'Greener' Lawn

It's time to hang out on the lawn and enjoy the spring. In my case, that means a public lawn at one of the city parks. I have many to choose from, but my favorites are those in Battery Park City. Not only do they offer incredible views of New York Harbor, they are comfy to lie on, lovely to look at and chemical-free.

For me, these lawns are firsthand proof that it is possible to grow a soft, green,inviting bed of grass without pesticides -- one that you, your children and your pets can safely flop down, stretch out, roll around and sleep on. Did you think your own lawn already was safe? Not likely if it's chemically treated. According to the National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns, of 30 pesticides commonly used in lawns and gardens:

• 13 are probable or possible carcinogens
• 14 are associated with birth defects
• 18 are associated with reproductive problems
• 20 are associated with liver or kidney damage
• 18 can cause neurotoxicity
• 11 are suspect or known endocrine disruptors
• 28 are sensitizers and/or irritants that can cause inflammation or an allergic reaction

The rash subsided over the next couple of days, and we quickly put the episode behind us. But I wonder what less visible, longer-term effects she might have had from what we assume was pesticide exposure. It's a concern because children are at greater risk from pesticide exposure than adults. Not only do they absorb more pesticides per pound than adults, their developing organs are more vulnerable to toxins. And of course their exposure is higher because they tend to play on the ground and put their hands in their mouths.

Lawn pesticides are also dangerous to animals -- both pets and wildlife, including dogs, birds and bees. When the chemicals are washed by rain into storm sewers and waterways, they endanger fish -- and may end up in the water we drink, where they can threaten our health all over again. If this way of cultivating a lawn strikes you as not only dangerous, but crazy, try the natural approach instead.

The key is developing healthy soil that supports your grass; then, watering and mowing it properly to maintain the soil, encourage a good root system and crowd out the weeds. See below for an outline of what's required and look at the links for detailed information.

Of course, if your land is totally unfit for grass, you probably can't grow it naturally -- but then, maybe you shouldn't be growing grass at all. To paraphrase an old song from the 70s, if you can't have the yard you love, plant the one you can. You might find that you love it even more.

EIGHT STEPS TO A SAFE AND NATURAL LAWN

1. Check your soil's pH. It should be 6.5 to 7. If it's too acidic, add lime; too alkaline, add sulfur.
2. If the soil's too compact, aerate it to ensure good air and water penetration. An aerating machine can be rented from many garden stores, or use a hand aerator if your lawn is small.
3. Apply compost to condition and fertilize the soil before planting. If you plan to buy, rather than make, your compost, check the composting guide in the links for tips on how to tell good from bad.
4. Apply natural fertilizer as well (since compost only has low levels of nutrients). You only need to fertilize your lawn once or twice a year. Fall and early spring are the recommended times.
5. When you mow, leave the clippings on the grass to condition and fertilize the soil further. The clippings will provide organic matter and half your lawn's nitrogen needs. It's helpful, though not necessary, to use a mulch-mower.
6. Mow frequently, but don't cut too much off. Most grass varieties do best at 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches high. Mow often enough that you never have to cut off more than the top third of the grass.
7. Water infrequently, but deeply. Early morning is the best time of day. Midday watering results in water loss from evaporation. Evening watering leaves your lawn soggy at nightfall, which puts grass at risk of disease.
8. Don't let the layer of thatch get deeper than half an inch. (Thatch is the dead plant material between the soil and blades of grass.) Remove the excess by raking.

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