Spring Lawn Care

Lawns are a tricky thing, especially out here in Sag Harbor where we are surrounded by water and we consume the fish, the clams and oysters that live in those waters. The horticulturist inside me says, “get rid of all lawns” because they use too many chemicals, too many fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides and too much water, which then runs off into our precious waterways with chemicals in tow.

However…I also understand that there is a certain aesthetic and need for that carpet of verdant green. So, I make peace with it by trying to educate my customers with the best possible practices for a great outcome with as few chemicals as possible. You just need to know the products out there and we are here to help you decipher what is best for your lawn.

Let’s start with some of the products listed below. Usually, the first one of the season is Crabgrass Preventer, which is put down anytime from Mid-March to Mid-April. Unfortunately, this is a chemical herbicide but it’s one of the best methods for crabgrass prevention

Also consider a pelletized Lime, good to put down early in the season, which reduces the acidity of the lawn and therefore increasing the health and less opportunity for moss to grow (unless of course you like the moss like many people here do!)

Lastly, there are several organic fertilizers on the market which will green up the lawn but leave it safe for children and pets as well as our waterways. Two of ours are pictured below.