Outside-the-Box Advice from the Pros
Before you call in the pros to rescue your lawn, there are plenty of clever tricks you can try to keep your grass looking its best. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn weeds, patchy spots, or just want to give your lawn a boost between professional treatments, these outside-the-box hacks can help. And when it’s time for expert care, you’ll have a healthier, stronger foundation for them to work with.
Here are some unexpected ways to give your lawn a little extra love before the professionals step in.
- Use Coffee Grounds for Pest Control: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around your lawn and garden to deter slugs, snails, and even some small pests. The nitrogen boost is a bonus for the soil.
- DIY Lawn Aeration with Golf Spikes: Instead of renting an aerator, wear golf shoes (or strap-on aerator sandals) while walking around your lawn to create small holes for better water and nutrient absorption.
- Cornmeal for Weed Prevention: Corn gluten meal acts as a natural pre-emergent herbicide, stopping weeds before they sprout. Plus, it’s pet-safe!
- Beer and Soda for Lawn Revival: A mix of beer, soda (non-diet), and a bit of dish soap can be sprayed on your lawn to provide nutrients, encourage microbial activity, and help grass absorb moisture better.
- Turn Fallen Leaves into Lawn Tea: Instead of bagging them up, soak shredded leaves in water for a few days, then use the nutrient-rich “leaf tea” to fertilize your lawn naturally.
- Strategic Mowing for Natural Weed Control: Alternate mowing patterns each week to prevent grass from leaning one way and allowing weeds to gain a foothold in weak spots.
- Clover Instead of Grass? Introduce micro-clover into your lawn for a low-maintenance, drought-resistant, nitrogen-fixing alternative that stays green longer than regular grass.
- Milk for Fungus Problems: A diluted milk spray can help combat fungal diseases like powdery mildew and brown patch, thanks to its natural anti-fungal properties.
- Cinnamon for Ants and Lawn Fungi: Sprinkling cinnamon in problem areas can deter ants and help prevent fungal infections in the grass.
- Music for Greener Grass? Some studies suggest that playing low-frequency sounds or classical music near plants and grass can encourage growth. At the very least, it keeps the lawn care experience enjoyable.
- Soap + Ammonia for a DIY Liquid Fertilizer: A mix of ammonia, liquid soap, and a bit of water can be sprayed lightly on a lawn to provide a quick nitrogen boost while breaking down thatch buildup.
- Use a Tarp to Rake Faster: Instead of constantly bagging leaves, rake them onto a large tarp and drag them to a compost pile or disposal area. Saves time and effort!
- Ice Melt (Not Salt) for Winter Lawn Prep: If you must de-ice sidewalks near your lawn, use calcium magnesium acetate instead of rock salt to prevent grass damage.
- Edging with Old CDs or DVDs: Bury the edges of old discs slightly into the ground to create a shimmering, reflective lawn border that also deters some small animals and birds.
- Grasscycling for Effortless Fertilization: Leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing instead of bagging them. They decompose quickly and return nutrients to the soil—nature’s free fertilizer.
Green Dream Lawn Care • Doug Durden • Over 30 years in turf management, as service manager, branch manager, regional agronomist, and GC supervisor at renowned companies. [email protected]