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<p align="center" style="margin-top: 1px; margin-bottom: 1px"><b>
<font face="Verdana" size="5" color="#0000FF">Organic Lawn Care 101:
</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-top: 1px; margin-bottom: 1px"><b>
<font face="Verdana" size="5" color="#0000FF">Take Simple Steps to
Convert Your Lawn to Organic</font></b></p>
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<p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<span class="text1"><span style="letter-spacing: 0pt">
<font size="1" color="#000000">Did you know that Americans directly apply
approximately 70 million pounds of pesticides to home lawns and gardens each
year? In the pursuit of greener lawns, birds and other wildlife are killed and
important water resources are affected. These chemicals collect on our shoes and
are tracked in to our homes. In some neighborhoods it seems to be a contest to
have the greenest lawn. A lot of water is wasted to maintain this artificial
green. It may be time to start thinking of kicking the green lawn habit! </font>
</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color:black"> </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color:black">If you are thinking of
transitioning your lawn to organic, here is an overview of what you need to know
about going green. The key to a healthy lawn is healthy soil and good mowing,
watering and fertilizing practices. Healthy soil contains high organic content
and is teeming with biological life. Healthy soil supports the development of
healthy grass that is naturally resistant to weeds and pests. In a healthy,
fertile and well-maintained lawn, diseases and pest problems are rare. </span>
</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color:black"> </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color:black">But doesn�t it cost more
you ask? If your lawn is currently chemically-dependent, initially it may be
more expensive to restore the biological life. But, in the long term, it will
actually cost you less money. Once established, an organic lawn uses fewer
materials, such as water and fertilizers, and requires less labor for mowing and
maintenance. More importantly, your lawn will be safe for children, pets and
your local drinking water supply. </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color:black"> </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color:black">Why go organic? Here
are a few benefits of Organic Lawn Care �</span></font></p>
<!--mstheme--></font><!--msthemelist--><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%">
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<span style="color:black"><font face="Verdana" size="1">Safety, for humans,
animals, insects and the planet</font></span><!--mstheme--></font><!--msthemelist--></td></tr>
<!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="../_themes/copy-of-blends/blebul1a.gif" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" alt="bullet"></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><font face="Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica">
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<span style="color:black"><font face="Verdana" size="1">Better Health, for
humans, animals, the lawns and the planet</font></span><!--mstheme--></font><!--msthemelist--></td></tr>
<!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="../_themes/copy-of-blends/blebul1a.gif" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" alt="bullet"></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><font face="Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica">
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<span style="color:black"><font face="Verdana" size="1">Water Conservation &
Preservation, since water does not often become contaminated in organic
systems, which also require less water than synthetic programs</font></span><!--mstheme--></font><!--msthemelist--></td></tr>
<!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="../_themes/copy-of-blends/blebul1a.gif" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" alt="bullet"></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><font face="Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<span style="color:black"><font face="Verdana" size="1">Soil Health &
Sustainability, since organics builds organic matter and life within the
soil</font></span><!--mstheme--></font><!--msthemelist--></td></tr>
<!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="../_themes/copy-of-blends/blebul1a.gif" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" alt="bullet"></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><font face="Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<span style="color:black"><font face="Verdana" size="1">Pest Reduction,
since insects tend to be more attracted to out-of-balance synthetic systems</font></span><!--mstheme--></font><!--msthemelist--></td></tr>
<!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="../_themes/copy-of-blends/blebul1a.gif" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" alt="bullet"></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><font face="Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<span style="color:black"><font face="Verdana" size="1">Resource
Conservation, since synthetic fertilizers are derived from fossil fuels and
organic systems encourage recycling, and because organic systems emphasize
less mowing</font></span><!--mstheme--></font><!--msthemelist--></td></tr>
<!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="../_themes/copy-of-blends/blebul1a.gif" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" alt="bullet"></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><font face="Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<span style="color:black"><font face="Verdana" size="1">Financial Savings
through time, since organic systems become more independent as the soil is
improved</font></span><!--mstheme--></font><!--msthemelist--></td></tr>
<!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="../_themes/copy-of-blends/blebul1a.gif" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" alt="bullet"></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><font face="Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<span style="color:black"><font face="Verdana" size="1">Environmental
Preservation, including a reduction in greenhouse gases and global warming</font></span><!--mstheme--></font><!--msthemelist--></td></tr>
<!--msthemelist--><tr><td valign="baseline" width="42"><img src="../_themes/copy-of-blends/blebul1a.gif" width="15" height="15" hspace="13" alt="bullet"></td><td valign="top" width="100%"><!--mstheme--><font face="Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000">Noise Reduction from decreased
reliance on power equipment</font><!--mstheme--></font><!--msthemelist--></td></tr>
<!--msthemelist--></table><!--mstheme--><font face="Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica">
<h2 align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px"><!--mstheme--><font color="#330099">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; color: black"><font size="1"> </font></span><!--mstheme--></font></h2>
<h2 style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify"><!--mstheme--><font color="#330099">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"><strong>
<span style="font-weight: normal">Here is a recommended guideline that you can
follow to start your organic lawn - </span></strong></font><!--mstheme--></font></h2>
<p style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify"> </p>
<h2 style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify"><!--mstheme--><font color="#330099"><u>
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"><strong>Early Spring</strong></font></u><!--mstheme--></font></h2>
<p class="Default" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="1"><font color="#000000">Test
Your Soil - The first thing you need to do this spring is to get to know your
soil. It is highly recommended that you analyze your soil during the growing
season by having it tested to determine specific soil needs. You can contact the
UMass University extension service, specifically the Soil and Plant Tissue
Testing Laboratory, at (413) 545-2311, or check them out online at </font>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest/">
www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest/</a><font color="#000000">, to find out how to
take and send in a soil sample. In addition to nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium) and pH, ask for organic content analysis, and request organic
care recommendations. Ideal pH should be between 6.5-7.0, and organic content
should be 5% or higher. You will receive an informative report and organic
recommendations for your soil. It�s a great place to start since having the
soil tested will point out any important deficiencies, which you can then take
steps to correct.</font></font></span></p>
<p class="Default" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p class="Default" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="1" color="#000000">Clean-up and
Aeration- After the ground has thawed and dried out (or in the south is breaking
out of its winter dormancy), rake winter debris off the lawn. Then aerate your
lawn (it�s best to aerate when the soil is moist, but not too moist). You can
rent a machine (which is most effective to address your whole lawn) or, at a
fraction of the cost, you can use spiked clogs. Aeration helps to alleviate the
compaction caused by winter snows and gravity. The soil gets an injection of
oxygen, which promotes activity in soil organisms and helps subsequent
fertilizations penetrate deeper to root systems. Earthworms are your best soil
aerators, and they will thrive in your organic lawn!</font></span></p>
<p class="Default" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="1" color="#000000"> </font></span></p>
<p class="Default" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="1" color="#000000">Overseed With
the Right Grass Seed � Sprinkle grass seed throughout your lawn in the spring &
fall. This will help fill in bare spots and choke out weeds. First loosen the
soil, spread peat moss, compost or topsoil, spread seed and walk over to push
seeds into the soil, then water. Add compost to your lawn once or twice a year
(July through August). This greatly supports your lawns� health. Apply at a
rate of 100 pounds per 1000 sq. feet.</font></span></p>
<p class="Default" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="1" color="#000000"> </font></span></p>
<p class="Default" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<font color="#000000"><span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="1">Grass
varieties differ enormously in their resistance to certain pests, tolerance to
climatic conditions, growth habit and appearance. The best types of seed for
this area are C3 and C4 grass seed. You can get different breeds � for color
types, drought resistance, low-mow breeds, etc. Endophytic grass seed provides
natural protection against some insects and fungal diseases - major benefits for
managing a lawn organically. Talk to your local nursery about the best seed for
your area. Check to see the weed content of the grass seed and that there are no
pesticide coatings. Keep in mind, if you purchase the cheaper brand, it may be
mixed with weed seed. So make sure you purchase good quality seed.</font></span><font size="1" face="Verdana">
</font></font></p>
<p class="Default" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"><u><strong>Early-Late Spring</strong></u>
</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000">Apply complete organic fertilizer-
or compost. It�s important to note that fertilizers and amendments should only
be added to correct deficiencies or imbalances identified in soil test results.
Unnecessary applications of any fertilizer or soil amendments can do more harm
than good. Slow release organic fertilizers provide vital nutrients to grass
without the risk of burning or harming the grass. These natural products help
support the health and vitality of the soil and grass, lengthening and
strengthening roots and helping the grass fight off pests, disease and weeds.
Many soils, especially those that have been extensively treated with synthetic
chemicals, require amendment to regain their health. Organic fertilizers and
soil amendments, particularly compost, feed the soil, benefiting the plant by
encouraging it to create a healthy root system. </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color:black"> </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoBodyTextIndent3" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000">Compost is an ideal soil
amendment, adding the much-needed organic content to your soil and suppressing
many pathogens. In the spring, preferably after aerating, spread � inch layer of
organic or naturally based compost over your lawn. Compost tea and worm castings
are also great additions. Also, starting this spring, the Needham Transfer
Station will be offering compost to local Needham residents.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color:black"> </span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color:black">Look for compost or
organic slow release fertilizers at your local nursery or order online. </span>
<font color="#000000">Your soil test results will ensure that you apply only
what you need. </font><span style="color:black">A few fertilizers, such as
Ringer� Lawn Restore�, are certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute,
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><u>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.saferbrand.com">www.saferbrand.com</a></u></span>.
North Country Organics has a number of natural fertilizers, including
phosphorus-free fertilizers for lawns close to fresh water bodies,
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><u>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.norganics.com">www.norganics.com</a></u></span>.
Others choices include Peaceful Valley Farm Supply <span class="MsoHyperlink">
<u><a target="_blank" href="http://www.groworganic.com">www.groworganic.com</a></u></span>,
Down To Earth�s Bio-Turf
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.downtoearthdistributors.com">
www.downtoearthdistributors.com</a>, and Harmony Farm <span class="MsoHyperlink">
<u><a style="color: black" href="http://www.harmonyfarm.com/">
<span style="text-decoration: none">www.harmonyfarm.com</span></a></u></span>.
</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"><strong>
<span style="font-weight:normal"> </span></strong></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify"><u>
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"><strong>Early Spring - thru Fall</strong></font></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000">Routine mowing- For the first
mowing, mow down to 2 inches to remove any over wintering fungus (and bag to
remove clippings). For the rest of the year, keep it at 3-3.5 to shade out weeds
and foster deep, drought-resistant roots. Insect and disease problems are also
minimized when cutting high. For the last several cuts of the season, start
cutting lower again. Bad mowing practices cause more problems than any other
cultural practice. Mowing with a dull blade makes the grass susceptible to
disease and mowing too close invites sunlight in for weeds to take hold. Keep
your blades sharp, or ask your service provider to sharpen their blades
frequently. Sharp blades mean clean cuts and fewer openings for disease and
insect infestations.</font></p>
<p align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px"><font color="#000000">
<span style="font-family: Verdana"><font size="1">Your grass clippings contain
58% of the nitrogen added from fertilizers, improve soil conditions, suppress
disease, and reduce thatch and crabgrass. Mulched grass clippings also shade the
surface of the soil and make it harder for weed seeds to germinate. So, leave
the grass clippings on your lawn to decompose and return their nitrogen to the
soil for your lawn to reuse. (The only exceptions are the first and last cuts of
season where it is recommended that you bag your lawn clippings.) Grass
clippings are a great source of nitrogen and, contrary to rumors, do not
contribute to thatch in an organic lawn.</font></span><font size="1" face="Verdana">
</font></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"><strong>
<span style="font-weight: normal">Early-mid fall</span></strong> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000">Dethatch- This involves removing
that unsightly build up of decomposed stems and leaves sitting on the soil�s
surface and allowing fertilizer and water to penetrate and feed your soil. If
you only have a few problem patches of thatch in your lawn, a thatching rake
should be sufficient. Aerating will also help to decompose thatch. It loosens
your soil, allowing air, water and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass.
Lawn grasses also root better in aerated soil, and oxygen will help the grass
grow. </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font color="#000000">
<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Verdana">
<font size="1"> </font></span><font face="Verdana" size="1"> </font></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color: black">Overseed </span>
<span style="color:black">� You can seed your lawn at any time of year during
the growth period, but fall is the best time to seed your lawn. (See
recommendations listed previously above.)</span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font color="#000000">
<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: Verdana">
<font size="1"> </font></span><font face="Verdana" size="1"> </font></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000">Apply winterizing organic
fertilizer- You can apply this last application of fertilizer from the beginning
of September through early November. Probably the most important application of
the entire season. A winterizing fertilizer concentrates below the soil,
strengthening root systems and developing plant hardiness. It prepares your lawn
for the start of the next growing season.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"><strong>
<span style="font-weight:normal"> </span></strong></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify"><u>
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"><strong>Mid-late Fall</strong></font></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1"><font color="#000000">Apply lime (if indicated by
soil test). To maintain an ideal pH level of 6.5 � 7.0, typically apply 30 lbs
of pelletized lime per 1,000 sq.ft. Pelletized lime costs a little more but is
easier to apply than powder. (Note: If a soil test indicates that your soil is
already high in magnesium, you will need to use either </font><a style="color: black" href="http://www.extremelygreen.com/Product.cfm?Name=Calcium%20Limestone%20Flour">Calcium
Limestone Flour</a><font color="#000000"> or </font>
<a style="color: black" href="http://www.extremelygreen.com/Product.cfm?Name=Aragonite%20%20%28fine%29">
Aragonite</a><font color="#000000"> instead of dolomitic limestone.) Your soil
test will indicate how much lime to apply.</font></font></p>
<p style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana">
<font size="1" color="#000000"> </font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"><u><strong>Late Fall</strong></u>
</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000">Final clean up - Reduce your
cutting height for the final mowings, according to the recommendations listed
above. Remove remaining leaves from lawn, or just attach a bag to your mower,
chop them up, and add them to your compost pile.</font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<font face="Verdana" size="1" color="#000000"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 1px 10px" align="justify">
<span class="text1"><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0pt">
<font size="1">One of the most common mistakes people make with lawn maintenance
is their watering schedule. </font></span></span>
<font size="1" face="Verdana" color="#000000">Lawns require about one inch of
water once per week. The best time to water the lawn is early in the day.
Watering late in the day may encourage fungal invasion due to insufficient
evaporation. </font><span class="text1">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0pt"><font size="1">Your lawn needs
to be watered when you apply seed or when it is showing signs of drought, and
then you need to water it deeply. An easy check to see if you are watering
properly is to place an empty tuna or cat food can or a cup under the sprinkler.
Stop watering when there is an inch of water in the can. Watering deeply will
encourage the grass to send its roots deep, deeper than most weed roots go. As
the top few inches of soil dries out, the weeds and weed seedlings will die
while the grass finds moisture deeper in the soil.</font></span></span><font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color: black"><br>
</span><font color="#000000">Light and frequent sprinklings encourage shallow
root growth � which is not good. </font></font><span class="text1">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0pt"><font size="1">Shallow, frequent
watering also encourages "thatch" where the roots of the grass grow out
sideways. With the roots in the top inch or two of soil, a hot day will quickly
dry the soil and much of the grass will brown. Unlike your lawn, weeds and weed
seedlings thrive on daily watering. It's just what they need to beat out your
grass for needed nutrients. So if you are using a sprinkler system on a daily
basis, you can shut it off (which will also help save you money on your water
bill).</font></span></span><font face="Verdana" size="1"><span style="color: black"><br>
</span></font></p>
<p align="justify" style="margin: 1px 10px">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; color: black"><font size="1">For more
information on organic lawn care tips, you can contact the Health Department
office at (781) 455-7523. For more information on starting and maintaining your
organic or natural lawn, and to find local resources in your area, see the
National Coalition for Pesticide-Free Lawns website at
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><u>
<a style="color: black" href="http://www.pesticidefreelawns.org/">
<span style="text-decoration: none">www.pesticidefreelawns.org</span></a></u></span>.
Another good website to check out for more information is
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.SafeLawns.org">SafeLawns.org</a>. </font>
</span></p>
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