What’s the YARD DETOX Challenge? It’s a challenge to get as many residents in our community to say NO to artificial fertilizers, pesticides and other harmful chemicals. For too long, we’ve used toxic chemicals that are harmful to children, pets and the environment to maintain our yards. But we don’t have to use them. Organic compost is a wonderful alternative to those dangerous poisons we call yard care. You can DIY your yard to include compost or you can use a sustainable landscaping company to do it for you.
Your yard is like a sponge. The soil will store fertilizers, pesticides and other toxins.
If your kids or pets put grass, dirt or even toys that have been outside in their mouths, they can ingest these poisons. If you don’t wash their hands after being in your yard, you can ingest them too. Leaf blowers and raking disturb the toxins on your lawn and they can find their way into your house. But detoxing your yard means you eliminate the risk and make your outdoor spaces safer and healthier.
How do you do it? First, select the best compost for your yard type. Second, cut your grass. Right after you cut your grass, spread the compost across your yard until it’s about 1/4inch thick. If it hasn’t rained in a few days, you’ll need to water the new compost for about 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t cut your grass for, at least, 1 to 2 weeks after you apply the compost. That’s it! You should do it once in late spring and once in early fall every year for the best results. If you really want to super charge the detox, have your yard aerated to get the compost deeper into the soil along with better airflow.
What are the benefits? First and foremost, you’re not going to have toxic chemicals surrounding your house. That means, safer play areas for kids and pets. You’ll also have a more beautiful, natural lawn that can withstand dry and hot periods without brown spots. Your new, healthy yard will encouraging biodiversity and make waterways cleaner. You bit even see more butterflies and birds visiting your property.
When you join the YARD DETOX, you’ll be part of a community-wide effort for healthy and sustainable yards that are good for you, your family and the environment. We will be posting success stories and photos of how different yards go through the process. For more info, email or call me. Contact info is on the Contact Page of this website.
HAPPY DETOXING!!!