Six Easy Steps to a Safe & Healty Lawn for Kids & Pets

4. Got weeds?

Research has shown that there are effective means other than using traditional pesticides to minimize weeds, insect pests, and diseases in lawns. Keep in mind the concept of threshold: the mere presence of a few weeds or insects does not necessitate the application of a pesticide.

Overseeding lawns to achieve maximum density is the most effective approach to weed management. Weeds take advantage of thin, less vigorous lawns.

At the first sign of thinning or bare spots in the lawn, loosen the soil with a rake or similar tool and apply perennial ryegrass at a rate of about 7 seeds per square inch, with nitrogen fertilizer at one-third the labeled rate. Ryegrass will germinate quickly (7–10 days), before the weeds get a chance to invade. Do this every few weeks in early spring and late summer. Overseeding is also an inexpensive method for replacing high-maintenance grass varieties with lower ones.

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