Posts Tagged ‘organic lawn care’

Compost Tea, yogurt for your lawn

Published by mrgrass on February 28th, 2013 - in Compost Tea

You may have heard of the benefits to the human body of yogurt containing probiotics.  A well-made compost tea can benefit your lawn in many of the same ways; it’s a probiotic for turf health. Compost tea is an effective bio-nutritional spray applied to lawns designed significantly to improve resistance to insect and disease damage.  Tea is typically made by brewing many ingredients along with sugars, organic matter, nutrients, and micro-organisms to produce a living end-product desirable for improved soil and plant health.  Tea makes otherwise poor or dead soil come alive through a series of spray applications and keeps already healthy lawns healthy.  Unfortunately, mainstream lawn care customers have not heard of or understand the real benefits derived from using compost tea on their lawns.  Here is the inside scoop from a turf veteran of 27 years.

Compost Tea

Compost teas vary in benefits according to manufacturer, handling, and ingredients.  Most teas are designed to deliver micro-organisms into the soil which in turn helps the turf grow better.  These little creatures vary in type and content but can include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, yeast, and nematodes.  Depending upon the content and strains blended, compost tea adds life to a soil which is likely unhealthy.  These micro-organisms are vital when it comes to grass roots capturing nutrients found in the soil.  Turf is known as a bacteria loving plant because these tiny organisms help provide, and in some cases, capture nutrients which would either be reduced or impossible to access within the soil.

Most teas also are designed to deliver valuable organic matter in a variety of sources and benefits not only to the grass, but again, the soil environment itself.  You may have gathered by my introduction that soil health is more important than most people realize.  Although fertilizers and other products can help improve a lawn faster and more dramatically, compost tea works on the problem itself, bad dirt.  Yes, bad dirt can range from sandy soil in a new lawn, to one compacted by excessive use, or one very high in silt and water logged.  Remember, grass roots grow in the air pockets in the soil and extract nutrition from the surrounding soil particles.  If those air pockets are filled with water or are small, grass will not grow well and will be thin or die off completely, resulting in bare patches.  Compost tea, at its simplest form, seeks to not only provide organic matter which increases nutrition and healthy air pockets for lush growth, but add life through a variety of important micro-organisms.

Chippers has used compost tea in our lawn program for some years now and have seen the benefits described. In addition it provides an earlier spring green up, not from warm soil, but from enhanced microbial activity.  This season, we are adding a second blend of compost tea which will allow water front or shore land lawns to be safely treated, unlike the prohibited fertilizers containing phosphorus and other conventional products.  This is exciting news because Chippers will be the first in NH and VT to provide a quality alternative to those folks on lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams; many which are vacation homes and are used for recreational use during the summer.  Applying compost tea to these water front lawns in combination with lime, aeration, and overseeing will yield a healthier, greener lawn and remain in harmony with the environment by avoiding fertilizers and pesticides in and around our sensitive waterways.  You can treat your lawn organically and still have great results. Compost tea will continue to gain popularity as a substitute or enhancement to conventional fertilizers as time progresses.  Since our compost tea is alive and fresh, I can hardly wait for spring and the ability to improve lawns in both NH and VT.

Tags: , , ,
No Comments »

Spraying compost tea on your lawn is a great idea this fall

Published by mrgrass on August 31st, 2012 - in Compost Tea

The link below activates a short video for your viewing enjoyment.

 

Demonstration of spraying compost tea on a lawn

 

Tags: , ,
No Comments »

Compost Tea, gaining mainstream popularity in turf care

Published by mrgrass on August 14th, 2012 - in Compost Tea, Lawn Care Companies

Anyone who is in the professional lawn care business, and by that I mean lawn healthcare, is aware of compost tea.  Lawn treatments such as fertilizing, lime, weed & insect control have always been a staple in the efforts toward improving and managing turf grass in a residential or commercial environment.  There is a new school of thought that focuses not on improving or protecting the grass plant itself, but the soil it lives in.  Although this is not a radical thought, it is certainly a departure as it focuses on the issues at hand in the soil versus treating the signs or symptoms of unhealthy lawns; mainly the grass itself or some pest.  Since so many issues in a lawn can be attributed to poor soil conditions, compost tea has risen as one means to improve the soil which then promotes healthy grass.  Although not a quick cure all, the strategy here is to add bio-organisms into the soil which then help break down organic matter, thus lending to natural “fertilizer” production.  Although this is over simplified, adding bacteria and fungi into any lawn has lots of benefits.

A lawn treated with compost tea

Compost tea is usually a blend or mixture of different kind of bio-organisms, many which have been reduced or lost in the soil due to a variety of issues.  Some of these issues include, but are not limited to, high salt content from extensive manufactured fertilizer use, poor soil, and or use of weed and insect controls over time.  If we go back to basic high school biology, we find that soil is a living eco-system. As such, soil is influenced by what is put into it such as fertilizers, or removed, such as grass clippings(versus mulching).  Protozoa, bacteria, and fungi all live in specific concentrations to help break down organic matter and pollutants in the soil substructure.  Anything that is applied to a lawn will move below ground and affect these biological populations.  When these organisms can be easily destroyed by any number of means, you can expect that the natural cycle of life is broken, resulting in a broken lawn and the entire ramifications one can expect from such actions.  Salt toxicity is a common occurrence by the overuse of fertilizers.  Highly soluble nitrogen along with potassium salts lend to reducing or even eliminating beneficial organisms in the soil beneath your lawn.  Compost tea is meant to not only add organic matter to the lawn, but to help rebuild those fragile, damaged micro-ecosystems which may have been reduced due to prior lawn treatments.  Adding bacteria, fungi, and in some cases protozoa, helps rebalance how nitrogen and other valuable nutrients are slowly added around the turf root system for a more uniform supply of “food” if you will.

Remember, nutrients are technically not food for any plant as they manufacture real food from the sun through photosynthesis, not from fertilizers.  Fertilizers only help provide some building blocks which improve the plants ability to fight off harm such as disease, insects, and stay greener so it can grow healthier.  This explanation is over simplified, but for the sake of a blog article, it will do just nicely.

Proper mowing and watering help any lawn in the summer

Compost tea then, is a rescue line toward saving and improving your soil.  Instead of targeting the issue at hand, whatever it may be from poor color, to a disease, or poor grass density; compost tea seeks to correct the underlying issues in the soil versus what you see above ground.  Only by focusing on improving the soil can we ever achieve a truly healthy lawn with a decreased demand on fertilizer and other artificial stimuli.  The lawn pictures included in this blog post have only received one natural fertilizer treatment in the spring plus several compost tea sprays and kelp.  With the client’s good mowing and watering habits, it is clear that this is a great looking lawn, especially in August when most lawns are dormant and full of crabgrass and or broadleaf weeds due to record heat in 2012.

Compost tea is great for your lawn anytime during the growing season

Compost tea can be done at any time of the year and is known to be especially valuable in the spring to jump start the soil biology after a cold winter.  I like to use compost tea after seeding to increase germination, disease resistance, and promote healthy growth.  Compost tea increases organic matter, stabilizes a soil system beneath the lawn, and helps prevent issues by replacing lost organisms around the grass roots to create a more natural balance.  Compost tea is clearly valuable when used with sea kelp, natural fertilizers, and lime.  Everyone should consider tea not only for a cold summer drink, but for your lawn.

Tags: , , , , , ,
No Comments »

Organic Lawn Care in NH & VT

Published by mrgrass2 on April 5th, 2012 - in Aeration or Core Aeration, Compost Tea, Fertilizer, Lawn Care Companies, Lime, Seeding & Overseeding

Organic lawn care treatments are good for your lawn and you

Tags: , , , , , , ,
No Comments »

Crabgrass is more than a crabgrass problem!

Published by mrgrass2 on March 30th, 2012 - in Aeration or Core Aeration, Compost Tea, Crabgrass, Lawn Care Companies, Seeding & Overseeding

Enjoy your lawn this year without crabgrass

If you are considering crabgrass control this spring, consider solving the real problem as an alternative spring time lawn project.  If you have a crabgrass problem, you have more than just a crabgrass problem.  The root of the issue is likely unhealthy soil, compaction, and low organic matter; all of which contribute to an inferior lawn.  Most folks will focus on the symptoms of a poor looking lawn such as dead patches or crabgrass and not the underlying issues.  Most lawn issues can be directly attributed to bad soil.  Can there be bad soil?  Well, in a manner of speaking yes, there can be bad soil or at least soil that cannot successfully support good turf growth.  Healthy turf does not occur by accident; it takes a healthy soil to support a green, lush lawn.  Let’s take a closer look at why good soil is so important and why bad soil really can only support crabgrass or nothing at all.

Soil is supposed to be filled with micro-organisms in various percentages, nature’s way of supporting plant life through root systems.  A healthy soil will contain soil particles of various sizes (clay through sand), air spaces, and water.  An ideal soil will also contact organic matter and many micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, like in high school biology class (wicked cool).  Turf really appreciates a soil which has a higher bacterial count.  Now you know why grass is always so green over the septic system, an ideal environment for lots of bacteria, organic matter, and moisture.

Poor soil will have a low population of these micro-organisms; in fact, it may not have much, if any at all.  Low organic matter is another issue which takes away from a healthy lawn.  Compacted soils don’t have the air spaces necessary for roots to grow successfully because roots need air to survive.  Add a low soil pH and now you have locked up vital nutrients necessary to support healthy turf growth.

The bottom line is that a good lawn must be rooted in healthy soil.  Without moving forward with proper techniques to improve your soil, your lawn is destined to be a field of crabgrass and blowing dust each and every year. Growing a lawn is just like growing corn or any other crop – it has basic needs.  Crabgrass is much less fussy and will gladly move in without an invitation and stay all summer long, thriving in high heat with minimal rainfall.  Crabgrass is not the enemy; crabgrass is just an opportunist which seizes its ideal growing environment.  The real villain is bad soil that is devoid of air, organic matter, and micro-organisms.

Your real hope lies in compost teas rich in bacteria, fungi, and other “good guys” who helps improve a sterile and almost lifeless pile of dirt.  Sea kelp adds lots of organic matter plus a host of nutrients, proteins, and minerals.  Core aeration breaks up compacted soil, providing air pockets and the opportunity for rain to penetrate a hard surface area.  Organic fertilizers provide more organic matter and a plentiful helping of nutrients, not only the grass, but the living community below!  While crabgrass suppression can be helpful, the real cure lies in improving your lawn’s soil as a basic rule towards creating an outdoor living space that can be enjoyed instead of being cursed.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
No Comments »

An insider view, lawn care trends in NH & VT

Published by mrgrass2 on January 14th, 2011 - in Compost Tea, Fertilizer, Lawn Care Companies

Lawncare trends in 2011

The clock is ticking as companies prepare for the snow melt and the onset of the 2011 lawn care season.  In this blog post, I shall briefly cover compost tea, kelp, fertilizer pricing, Mycorrhizae, and other trends worth exploring.

As petroleum prices rise, so does the cost of manufacturing basic fertilizer components.  Lawn care companies can expect to pay more for their fertilizer products in 2011, thus increasing the need to execute an effective and efficient turf program.  There has been one price increase already with perhaps another expected midyear.  Those companies unable to make sound business practices may become a thing of the past.  Some price increases may inevitably be passed onto the customer as pressure builds to make a profit in a highly competitive industry.

The bell continues to toll for fundamental changes utilizing basic soil and environmental processes in the lawn care industry.  These options include inoculating seed with beneficial fungi called Mycorrhizae.  One inoculation allows this fungus to multiply and spread within a lawn area.  Long used in the tree industry, Mycorrhizae sets up a friendly relationship on the turf root system, breaking down surrounding nutrients and minerals.  The end result generally becomes a lessened demand on the quantity of fertilizer required due to this helpful relationship below ground.

There are still more options available beyond standard fertilizers such as compost tea and kelp; both which utilize actual plant material, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and much more to help improve soil structure and thereby create a healthier lawn.  Compost tea usually contains beneficial bacteria, sugars, and kelp; all which help grass become stronger while simultaneously improving the defensive mechanism to fight off insect and disease pressure.  Although there are lots of blends and types of compost tea, the general idea is to strengthen the lawn so it can withstand drought, insect, and disease pressure as it appears during the growing season.  Compost tea and kelp both help build the soil which is very often a large limiting factor in improving a lawn.  With many lawns containing high amounts of sand or minimal top soil, adding kelp and or compost tea becomes are very sound decision.  Both sea kelp and compost tea are not inexpensive, but they provide key materials not found in most fertilizers and improve soil infrastructure.  Compare the investment in compost tea, kelp, or Mycorrhizae versus renovating your lawn and you are looking at saving thousands of dollars at a minimum.  Any lawn treatment which can help reduce fertilizer demand and build the soil is certainly worth exploring and perhaps even using in 2011.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
8 Comments »

Organic lawn treatments in NH, what you need to know.

Published by mrgrass2 on November 30th, 2010 - in Broadleaf Weeds, Fertilizer, Lawn Care Companies, Lawn Pests, Bugs & Insects, Lime, Misc., Turf Disease

Are you considering some lawn treatments but you are concerned about the kids, pets, the environment, and general safety of what is going down around your house?  All of these concerns are valid with plenty of solutions available.  There are organic options to control lawn insects, diseases, and even reduce fertilizer demand.  Does choosing an organic pest control option give companies a free pass from obtaining the proper state licensing, insurance, and company certification?  Let’s find out!  I will not address education or background experience in this blog post- even though it is a very significant factor in choosing a lawn company (see prior blog posts for more information).

Let’s explore one scenario and see if you know the answer.  This fictitious company is based in NH only- however- VT has similar statues.

Doug hires Organic Landscapes (fictitious name) and assumes they have all the proper credentials’, after all; their pickup truck has a nice logo.  Doug hires Organic Landscapes to improve his lawn and still control some insects like grubs which he has had a problem with for years.  Doug agrees to a few basic fertilizer treatments, lime, and a grub control treatment- all organic.  Does Organic Landscapes need a NH Supervisory and perhaps an Operational pesticide license?

Yes.

What Doug does not realize is any claim made to control a pest requires significant state licensing, insurance, and certification.  An easy way to determine if a company is certified in NH is to look at the truck itself.  Any state certified company will have 2” black letters on the service vehicles showing “NHPC” followed by a registration number unique to that business.  If the truck(s) lack this, they either are not licensed, perhaps are pretending to be- or forgot.  In this case, there is no NHPC number on the trucks because Organic Landscapes does not realize they even need this certification.

While you may not need a license or any of the aforementioned qualifications to treat your own lawn, if you are doing it “for hire” – money, the business must hold the proper credentials when controlling pests- organic or not in NH.  This goes for spraying weeds with vinegar, applying oils to control surface insects like chinch bugs, or botanical extracts to knock back red thread disease.

Before you consider any lawn care program change, be sure to inquire about how long the company has been in business, its reputation, its insurance, its certifications and so forth.  If this article has your juices flowing for more- check out my earlier BBB blog post and why a good rating and accreditation is vital.  I have several more blog posts on just how to select a lawn company and why you should consider these factors in your final decision.  Thanks for visiting!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
No Comments »

How to shop for a new lawn service in 2011

Published by mrgrass2 on November 10th, 2010 - in Lawn Care Companies, Misc.

The holidays are right around the corner and the last thought on your mind might be preparing or even considering your lawn service in 2011.  Let’s face it, the growing season is practically finished and your mower may well be stored away with visions of cutting next spring.  Until then, your once green carpet takes a back seat to turkey, skiing, and ice skates versus what kind lawn company to use in 2011.

If you already use a national lawn care chain like Trugreen, you will likely receive several pre-pay letters or contacts beginning in November with possibly a second in December or January.  This proposal will outline your 2010 lawn treatments and duplicate it for 2011 with an incentive for pre-paying.  Statistically, most customers will not respond to this letter never mind prepaying for the entire year.  In fact, many will seize this opportunity to return the letter with a note containing the word “cancel”.

For smaller lawn care firms, their accounts are scrupulously reviewed in the late fall where additions, modifications, and recommendations are made before sending out a fresh lawn proposal for 2011.  Many companies will also reward their customer’s for prepaying and for choosing multiple services like a Plant Health Care program for the tree and shrubs in the landscape in conjunction with the turf program.  Chipper’s has offered these valuable incentives in the past to its client base.  Reviewing the account history for each individual client for 2011 is of paramount importance as it increases future results through necessary turf program adjustments before sending out any new proposal.  Such actions help insure the highest quality turf program through comprehensive annual review versus a simplistic recycling of treatments year after year.

There is plenty of time to review your turf program over the winter with no need to rush your decision.  Perhaps 2011 may be the year to receive a fresh, second opinion from a smaller company where the total dollars spent is relative to actual needs and desired results.  Late fall or early winter is a great time to collect this type of information before the lawn is snow-covered.  While there are plenty of cheeseburger, one size fits all lawn care companies out there, see if you can find one that really tailors the whole package; results, experience, and your budget.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
1 Comment »

Researching Lawn Care Companies in NH, Part 2

Published by mrgrass2 on March 28th, 2010 - in Lawn Care Companies, Misc.

In my first post, I covered some initial points to consider while researching lawn care companies. Ease of communication ranks high and provides vital comfort for ease of asking questions, changing your program, or if a problem/question arises. While anyone can call me directly on my cell phone or e-mail me directly 24/7, you will not find this in other companies. On the contrary, you will be forced to call an out of state call center out or a leave a message due to “standard business hours”. Being forced to wait for an answer or return call is tough if you have a serious disease or insect problem. Fortunately, the world of business is changing and those who do not provide the highest level of communication will be left to slowly whither on the vine.

I explored the need to do a little home work first, researching a few companies by asking for referrals, or checking out the existence of a website or blog. Determine the level of transparency such as a “face book” fan page and the ability to review current or future client comments online. Communication is very important and the more ways that exist- the easier you can communicate with your lawn care provider, the more enjoyable and comfortable the relationship will be- leading to a long lasting, satisfying experience.

So what is next? The program! Who made it? In most cases, the actual program will be a cookie cutter, generic printout faxed by a corporate center on the other side of the United States. That’s not all; this program will specify certain rates of fertilizer or other products over the course of the year be it here in New England or Colorado regardless of the regional weather conditions and more importantly the unique characteristics of your lawn and microclimate. Believe me, this does matter- this is big, real big. When the trucks roll and have a “batch” of pre-mixed chemicals, the rate of fertilizer is set and cannot be changed- period. So what? What if you just signed up for service and your lawn needs a higher rate than what is in the truck? What if your lawn is shaded and it does not need as much fertilizer? Too bad, when the spray truck pulls up to the curb- you get X, the mix of the day- preset and unchangeable! Perhaps you are beginning to see how this will not, cannot provide the kind of results like a custom program.

When I made my own program, I called it ETC (Essential Turf Care). I began by researching hundreds of products and picked out dozens of products to stock my kitchen from natural, organic, and traditional materials based on my 24yrs in the business. On the other hand, the large companies tell their branch offices what type of fertilizer goes down and at what rate from an out of state corporate office. Who would you prefer to place your trust in- the employee who is at your property or a glassy building in the Midwest? It gets worse. Many of the “technicians” who do the work often have less field experience than you do! That’s right, the big boys need so many employees, they must hire literally dozens upon dozens each year.  I know from first hand experience, I did the recruiting.  While these folks may have a fresh state license and the proper certification, being book smart and field trained are two entirely different worlds!  Chances are, you have a high probability of having your lawn treated by someone who has never treated lawns before- how does that make you feel?  Do you want the experienced veteran electrician or the green apprentice?  Think about this for a moment. What do you really think you are getting with that bargain basement price of X?  In many circumstances, you are better off trying it yourself and may well have more experience than any of the “technicians” who are spraying solutions on your property.  Most of the time, they did not even fill their own truck with mystery mix A or B- it is done for them.  Wow! How do you feel now?  Enlightened I hope! I speak from experience, this is the real deal.  This is high volume, one size fits all lawn care where the number of lawns treated in a day (production dollars) outweighs the results and substance.  Simply put, this type of lawn treatment  is old school and continues to decline for obvious reasons.

To summarize, if you want a generic, non-specific, unchangeable, one size fits all lawn program sprayed onto your property, call 1-800 I am a lemming! Break the trend this spring, you can get so much more in terms of results and experience, not to mention caring for the environment and still have a healthy lawn! Every service you buy, you are making a choice and supporting either your local economy- or a glassy corporate building in the Midwest. What will it be? Are you willing to at least explore a different option?

If this information does not move you, wait for part 3!

Don't be a lawn care lemming! Make a change

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
30 Comments »

Researching Lawn Care Companies in NH, Part 1

Published by mrgrass2 on March 10th, 2010 - in Lawn Care Companies, Misc.

Essential Turf Care Program Options

This is the year you have decided to get some advice.  This is the year you want to see results and actually enjoy your front lawn as you look out that window with your cup of coffee each morning.  Your vision of brown can turn to green!  So where do you begin?

1.  Start your research online. 

Start your research online with company websites and or blogs in order to get a “flavor” for what they do, office locations, credentials such as certifications/licenses, and other important factors.  Make a short list for yourself.  What is important to you in terms of service like ease of contact and communication?  While things are always great when the going is good, can you obtain a direct e-mail address or cell phone number to ask a direct question to a manager?  Send an e-mail and see if you get a response.  How fast does the employee respond?  If you never hear back or if one is not available, you have an answer.  If you said “no” prepare to call an out of state “800 number” that is only open during “standard business hours”.

While many companies may appear alike on the surface- as you dig deeper you will find a vast difference when it comes to things like ease of contact.  Communication is key not only for just asking questions but for peace of mind.  You should feel good about having access, direct access to those who you employ like your future lawn care company.  You should feel great about supporting your local economy, especially in these economic times by hiring a local firm versus a national chain.  Who you decide to employ locally makes a direct statement on what you believe in and support.

Are there any testimonials on the website which would indicate customer satisfaction and success?  How many offices are there and who runs the show?  Information is power and the more you get a sense of who you will be dealing with, the higher your satisfaction level will ultimately be because your decision will be a sound one.

In future installments, I will discuss why you should consider experience in the field and background as vital components when it comes to hiring a turf care company.  I plan to discuss topics like how to obtain real results as it relates to product selection such as natural versus traditional programs.  Don’t wait, start researching today!

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
25 Comments »
© Copyright 2009-2012 Chippers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.