All Natural Turf Care
Green Line Organics specializes in all natural organic turf care programs that enhance your property and are safe for your family, pets and the environment. We work with you, because what we do (organic materials) is as important as what you do (cultural practices - i.e. proper mowing, watering, etc.). Through the use of organic materials and cultural practices you can establish a dense lawn that crowds out weeds, is more drought and insect tolerant and lower maintenance.
Soil Testing and Analysis
Grass requires a certain environment to grow and what goes on under the ground directly affects what you see above the ground. Green Line Organics sends a soil sample to a laboratory to test soil: pH, buffer pH (reserve acidity), Cation Exchange Capacity, and % Organic Matter (OM). You will receive the results from the soil test along with recommendations on the amount, type of additional soil amendments and final cost. Armed with the results of a soil test a plan can be formulated to create the healthy environment your grass requires.
Soil Amendments
Upon completion of your soil analysis, Green Line Organics will make recommendations to address your soil deficiencies. Some options for treatment include:
Lime |
Grass grows best in soil with a pH of 6.5 – 6.8. Soils in this range encourage root growth and make nutrients (fertilizer) available to the grass. Typical New England soils are acidic with pH in the low 5.0 ranges and usually need to be “sweetened.” Based on your soil test results calcitic or dolomitic lime is used. Correcting your pH is not usually “optional” since it directly affects the grass’ ability to absorb the fertilizer and encourages microbial activity. |
Organic Matter (OM) and Loam |
Some properties, especially newer homes, have poor soil structure and are low in OM. One way to build soil structure is to return clippings, however, it may not be fast enough and topdressing with a loam/compost mix or adding humates may be necessary. |
Humates |
All properties benefit from a humate application. Green Line Organics uses a humate product that acts as a soil conditioner to: retain nutrients in the root zone and enhance plant growth; increase buffering properties of soil; make soil more friable and crumbly; increase aeration of soil; reduce thatch build-up; and increase water holding capacity. |
Over Seeding
Grass like any crop must be regularly planted to ensure the highest yield (thickest lawn). Since grass is cut before it goes to seed you should periodically over-seed. All grass seed is not the same – Green Line Organics uses high quality seed with high germination rates (>90%). Early spring or late summer/early fall is the best time to repair thin lawns. We often recommend over seeding when you aerate to continually develop a thick lawn.
Aeration
Aeration reduces soil compaction and enables grass roots to breathe. Compacted soil favors weeds over grass. Soil cores are cut and returned to the lawn allowing grass roots to spread. For most lawns, aeration should be performed annually. Fall is the best time to aerate when root growth is most vigorous.
Grub Control
Your best defense against insect damage is healthy grass and soil. A healthy lawn can with stand some grub infestation. Green Line Organics checks for grubs in late summer/early fall. If a problem is discovered, an application of hB nematodes will be recommended. Once applied the nematodes continue to work as long as the area is kept moist and a food source (i.e., grub larvae) is present. In some instances milky spore may be recommended, however, this is only effective again the Japanese Beetles and takes up to 3 years to inoculate the area.
Weed Control
A dense lawn is the best way to crowd out weeds. In some situations an application of corn gluten (CG) may be recommended. CG is time sensitive and costly so recommendations are made only when applicable. The traditional practice of manually pulling the weed and placing grass seed in its place is very effective. A vinegar mixture can also be used to spot treat areas.