![]() ![]() Adjusting the pH to within the range of 6.0 to 6.5 will help create an environment that allows the desirable grasses to outcompete and crowd out the weeds. Herbicides can be used to kill weeds however, if the pH of your soil is not optimal the weeds will simply regrow. A soil pH of 5.5 or lower favors weed growth more than grass growth. Most lawns in Maine have soils that are too acidic (pH is too low). The pH of the soil (acidity level) for lawns should be in the range of 6.0 to 6.5. If you prefer, organic fertilizer recommendations can be requested when you send in your soil sample. The report will give you recommendations for optimal plant health. The test results will tell you about your soil pH, nutrient levels, and the percentage of organic matter. To get a copy of this bulletin, as well as a soil-test box and form, contact your local UMaine Extension County Office, or call 800.287.0274 (in Maine). Review University of Maine Cooperative Extension Bulletin #2286, Testing Your Soil. The Analytical Laboratory and Maine Soil Testing Service at the University of Maine conducts soil tests. You may wish to lightly overseed after de-thatching to introduce new grasses in the bare areas (see “Overseed your lawn” below). Removing thatch helps your lawn breathe and allows for new shoots to fill in open spaces. Save what you rake up for your compost pile. Give your lawn a good raking with a flexible-toothed rake in early spring to remove thatch. Follow these basic principles to create and maintain a healthy lawn while reducing or eliminating fertilizers and pesticides. The goal of a low-input lawn is to create an ecologically diverse lawn that will look green and healthy without intensive fertilizer and pesticide treatments. At risk are lakes, streams, and eventually the ocean-the endpoint of all watersheds. Misuse of lawn-care pesticides and fertilizers negatively affects our water quality. During the same period, there has also been a sharp increase of homeowner/tenant use of lawn care multi-step programs containing fertilizers and pesticides. This number has increased seven-fold since1995 and coincides with an explosion of yard-care companies in Maine. Over 6.2 million pounds of yard-care pesticides were brought into Maine in 2007. Low-input lawn-care practices involve reducing the number of pesticides (mainly weed and insect killers) and fertilizers that you put on your lawn. What are low-input practices and why follow them? Enjoy fewer grubs - and a word about moles.Find seed sources for resilient grasses.Build your soil’s organic matter and nutrient levels.What are low-input practices and why follow them?.Reviewed by Barb Murphy, Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Amy Witt, Horticultural Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Kate Garland, Horticultural Professional, University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Gary Fish, Maine Board of Pesticide Control.įor information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit .įind more of our publications and books at /publications/. ![]() By Frank Wertheim, Extension Educator, University of Maine Cooperative Extension. ![]()
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