TRANSITIONING YOUR LAWN FROM CHEMICALS …. TO ORGANIC

Chemically treated lawns become dependent on their next application, moving through periods of fast growth and decline.  In a chemical program, once you begin to apply fertilizers and kill the soil biology, the more the lawn will become dependent on its next dose, thus making it less resistant to respond to an organic program.  The speed at which it responds is also directly related to how intense your program is for the first couple of years.  Usually, after two years you will begin to be able to cut back on organic applications.

• The first year will be the most “important”, but also the most difficult. The first goal is to bring your soil back to life. The effort you put in now, will pay you back for years to come.  Compost and compost tea will begin to restore the biology to your soil. The biology will consume the fertilizer and amendments which will lead to a greener and healthier lawn.
• By the beginning of the second season, any leftover chemicals should be leached out of the soil or broken down. Now the biology can begin to thrive and quicker “green-up” will ensue after the first compost tea application. During this year, the same program should be followed as in the previous year.  Topdressing, overseeding and at least three applications of compost tear are still recommended.
• When the third year begins, it is time to evaluate the lawn and make adjustments to the program. Options at this point may include a soil test, aeration or topdressing.  It is recommended that a spring application of corn, gluten, and 3 or 4 applications of compost tea be applied at this time.  Keep in mind that every lawn is different and that programs may vary from lawn to lawn depending on history and other factors.  Organic lawns will generally need less attention after the first few years while chemical lawns will need the same amount of applications, if not more, each year.