Organic fertilizers can help your business’ lawn green up in spring and stay healthy throughout the coming seasons without the downsides of chemical fertilizers. But if you are still on the fence about starting organic lawn care, this article can help you decide as you take a closer look at the benefits of switching to natural methods.

Downsides of Chemical Fertilizers

Many people prefer chemical fertilizers, usually because these products are easily obtainable, affordable, and show faster results. However, these synthetic solutions that contain a mixture of refined organic and artificial matter aren’t perfect. Applying chemical fertilizers on lawns has many downsides, most of which are not apparent.

Pollution is one of the downsides of using chemical fertilizers. Chemical runoff can contaminate the surrounding air and water. Contaminated waterways may turn green or clouded with algae blooms, while aquatic animals are likely to suffocate and die.

Aside from that, synthetic fertilizers can pose health risks to exposed humans and animals. Chemical exposure can cause lung, skin, and neurological diseases, among other ailments. Pets are also susceptible to illnesses like lymphoma.

If you apply more chemical fertilizers than necessary, the grass will suffer from fertilizer burn. Over-application will likely make the soil more acidic, dense, and compact. As a result, organisms like worms, fungi, and insects will have difficulty flourishing and supporting healthy soil.

Last but not least, you will likely need to apply chemical fertilizer more frequently because these products produce results quickly at the expense of sustainability. You won’t even have to wonder if it’s good to fertilize your lawn in the spring because you’ll be repeating the process many times throughout the year. This increases the likelihood of issues arising from over-application.

Advantages of Organic Fertilizers

Organic fertilizers are made from naturally available materials like fresh or dried plant matter, animal manure and litter, and agricultural byproducts. They are a part of what makes organic lawn care work.

Organic fertilizer feeds the soil by fostering helpful microorganisms, which help improve the soil ecosystem. Natural fertilizers also release nutrients to the soil at a slower pace, making them available for extended periods. They aid in enhancing the texture and structure of the soil, which increases water retention for a healthier lawn, even during drier conditions. These all contribute to making your lawn soil more self-sufficient.

Natural fertilizers are safe to use around people and pets because they don’t release toxic pollutants and chemicals into the surroundings. Additionally, since organic fertilizers are slow-release, they are less likely to burn your turf even if you unintentionally apply more than necessary. This is another reason they are safer to use on your lawn.

Organic fertilizers make the turf in your commercial establishment thick, green, and lush. The organic matter content of natural lawn fertilizers is high and rich in other micronutrients, which enhances the grass quality. Micronutrients also boost the ground’s vigor, improving the lawn’s appearance. Moreover, organic lawn care increases the grass’s natural defenses against pests and illnesses.

Organic Alternatives

Instead of the quick fix that synthetic fertilizers provide, organic fertilizers help promote greener, more sustainable, and more resilient lawns. You can buy organic fertilizers from your local garden center or try these organic alternatives.

Manure – You can get dung from your animals or purchase it at your neighborhood garden center. Because animal manure is rich in nitrogen and other vital nutrients, it is excellent for plants. However, use only composted manure to balance the acidity, and ensure weed seeds in raw manure are eliminated.
Tree leaves and weeds – Leaves hold moisture and are a great source of trace minerals, making them great for your plants. You can add them to your soil through mulching, blending into a potting mix, or tilling. On the other hand, weeds are green compost that is high in nitrogen, which helps promote plant growth. You can prepare weeds by soaking them in liquid for a few weeks to stop them from seeding new ones.
Bone meal – This material is derived from steam-cooked animal bones that are then ground into a fine powder and applied to plants. Bone meal is rich in calcium and phosphorus, minerals essential for important plant functions like seed growth and photosynthesis.
Epsom salt – Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) can help lawns with low magnesium. Magnesium is an essential plant nutrient required in small amounts to form chlorophyll. On the other hand, sulfur can help in the acidification of soils when combined with soil water.
Eggshell – Eggshells have low potassium content and are high in calcium. You can crush them, transfer them to a mason jar, add water, and let them sit for a week. Then, use the water as fertilizer. Another method is to wash and dry the shells, then crush them into a fine powder using a rolling pin.

Building a Sustainable Lawn

The lawn is one of the first things customers see when approaching your commercial establishment. It can impact their first impression of your business, which is why keeping it well-manicured and healthy is necessary. However, lawn maintenance takes a lot of time, effort, and resources, especially when you do it the conventional way.

If you have been spending a lot of resources to keep your lawn lush, green, and healthy and want to cut costs, consider building a sustainable lawn.

Switching to organic lawn care is one of the ways to achieve a sustainable lawn, and applying the best organic lawn fertilizer for spring is a critical part of the process. But that’s just one of the many things you need to do to make your lawn sustainable.

If you’re growing a new lawn or reseeding, select grass varieties suitable for your lawn’s sun or shade, foot traffic, water availability, and soil composition. Aerate the soil to loosen up compaction and allow water and air to enter. Distribute compost throughout your lawn to encourage biological activity at the soil’s surface.

Hold off on mowing your lawn until the grass blades are tall and the roots have established themselves. Make sure the lawn is dry before you mow. Mow only when the grass is three inches tall, and bag the clippings.

Additionally, irrigate your lawn properly. Water your lawn only once every week for four hours in each zone from May 1st to September 1st.

Application Tips

Follow these application tips to make organic fertilizers even more effective for your lawn.

Use the fertilizer you need. There are different organic fertilizers for a variety of circumstances. For example, if you want bright green turf, nitrogen-rich fertilizers like leaves are a good option.
Carefully read and adhere to the instructions to get the most out of your organic fertilizer.
Avoid applying fertilizer during droughts or intense heat waves, as it can harm your lawn.
Get expert assistance from organic lawn care services when applying organic fertilizer for the first time.
Check on your plants at least once a week to see if they require special care.
Make sure to remove any mulch or weeds that may have grown on your fertilizer.

Go Organic

Organic fertilizers nurture the soil, promoting a healthy and resilient lawn. As a result, you can achieve a beautiful green turf that positively impacts your business image.

When you finally decide to use organic fertilizer this spring, consider getting expert assistance from LawnMart. For decades, we have been maintaining lawns using natural products and methods. Our team of professionals can ensure that your business lawn is primed for the year through an organic approach suited to your needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help incorporate organic fertilizers into your lawn care routine.