Hydepark Landscape & Tree Service

Information About Soil Health

Lawn Care- Reasons why Turf is Important:

-In vegetation-free cities, up to 60% of the rain water ends up as surface runoff. In areas with a permeable surface, such as a lawn, only 5–15% of the rain water becomes surface runoff (Urban Forestry & Urban Greening in 201)

-Grass roots stabilize soil on our hillsides which is extremely important for our steep topography of Cincinnati (“How Grass Benefits the Environment,” 2021)

- Leaving your grass clippings actually HELP your lawn! Mowed turf will quickly break down and help heal compact and nutrient derived soil. Research has shown that a fourth of a lawn’s fertilizer needs can be met by recycling grass clippings (Caring for Your Lawn and the Environment | NC State Extension Publications, n.d.)

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Mulching:

Why is mulching important?

Mulch of many types are significant to the health of your garden, it returns carbon to the soil, retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and can serve as a protective barrier between equipment. There are very many options for this finishing touch, dyed, pine straw, and wood chippings. Mulching is done every spring, sometimes fall also to keep gardens looking fresh.

What is green mulch?

Serving almost the same purpose as cover crops, to improve the health of our garden, the obly difference is these plantings are for beauty! Green mulch or ‘Living Mulch’ can work as organic chipped mulch, retain moisture, reduce erosion, etc. It can also be a planting of a non-climbing, non-aggressive, ground cover or mass planting. These can serve as an extra bloom in your garden to attract pollinators, or to give a more luscious feel than typical mulch. If dense enough it can suppress weeds.

Creeping thyme, Phlox subulate, Pachysandra, Sedum, Ferns, Carex and so many more! Lets find which one interests you the most!