Everyday Wellness in Brecksville: Fall Fertilizing, the Healthy Way

The crisp, cool days of autumn are here already. And I've noticed that fall also brings out the lawn chemical trucks and the toxic smell of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Brecksville's Horticulturist said that the first step to improve your lawn in the fall "shouldn't always be to open a bag of something and spread it on your lawn." He said that most of the homes in Brecksville have hard, clay soils and the best thing residents can do for their grass is a practice called core aeration. He explained that core aeration is a practice where plugs of your lawn are pulled up to allow for better air circulation and improved root growth.

Owen also said that fall is the best time to fertilize, whether residents are using organic fertilizer or another kind. He added that when it's done in conjunction with core aeration, residents are likely to get the best results possible.

A teaspoon of healthy soil contains about 4 billion organisms that help keep our lawns healthy, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s website. These organisms help to loosen the soil, recycle nutrients and actually protect plants from some pests and diseases. In addition, lawn chemicals can find their way into streams and lakes, contaminating drinking water and harming fish and other wildlife, according to the agency. 

Alec McClennan is the owner of Cleveland-based Good Nature Organic Lawn Care. He said that an organic approach to lawn care helps to feed the beneficial microbes in soil, instead of killing them, which leads to a healthier lawn. He also said that September is the ideal month to overseed lawns that aren't looking great. And running over the fall leaves with a mulching mover and leaving them on the lawn is a good way to add nutrients.

Fall lawn care is a necessary chore, but , and they're not good for your lawn either. In my opinion, sometimes less really is more. I like having a chemical-free lawn where my kids can do somersaults and maybe even pick the occasional dandelion bouquet.