Toxic chemicals and pollutants are all around us. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for these substances to seep into the soil, disrupting its pH level and inhibiting the growth of grass and plants.
When this occurs, you may struggle to create and maintain a healthy lawn. Your once green lawn may turn to a faded brown color, indicating serious stress.
So, how can you protect your lawn from soil contamination?
Test it
The first step to protecting your lawn from soil contamination is to test it. There are numerous testing companies that specialize in soil contamination testing.
This involves digging up several samples of your lawn’s soil and mailing them to the company’s lab for testing. The company will then test your soil samples for the presence of common chemicals and toxins, revealing just how clean or contaminated your soil really is.
Keep Chemicals Secured
Whether it’s gasoline, oil, antifreeze, etc., you should keep all of your chemicals secured. This means making sure the cap is on tight and placing the chemicals in an area where they won’t get knocked over and leak into the soil. Even minor spillage may cause severe contamination of your soil.
Use Natural Herbicides and Insecticides
Rather than using chemical-based herbicides and insecticides, consider using natural ones. If weeds are a problem, for instance, you can make a safe, all-natural herbicide by mixing vinegar, dish soap and water together.
For insects problems, use neem oil. These are both safe, Eco-friendly substances that won’t contaminate your soil or otherwise harm your lawn.
In comparison, many of the chemical-based herbicides and insecticides sold in store can severely stress your soil.
Beware of Runoff
Additionally, you should be conscious of runoff chemicals that could contaminate your soil. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to wash their car in the driveway, for example.
This may seem harmless enough, but it can cause runoff of soap, tire cleaner and other chemicals, all of which end up seeping into your soil. This also rings true when pressure washing your house.
Check and Adjust pH Level
Finally, try to get into the habit of monitoring the pH level of your soil on a regular basis and adjusting it when needed.
If your soil becomes too alkaline or acidic, it’s more likely to sustain damage from contamination. A simple testing strip will reveal your soil’s pH level and whether it needs adjusting.
The Woodsman Company offers tree planting, tree pruning and shrub trimming, tree removal and stump grinding as well as a tree wellness program.
If we can help with any of your tree care needs give us a call at 512-846-2535 or 512-940-0799 or
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