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I -~- .. I Step 1: Lawn conversion . Table 1. Eight key steps toward a low Input lawn I I Step 2: 5011 building I I I Step 3: Grass selection I . Step 4: Mowing and thatch management I Step 5: Minimal fertilization I I Step 6: Weed control and tolerance I I Step 7: Integrated pest management I Step 8: Sensible Irrigation Convert lawn areas Into groundcover, trees, shrubs, or meildow plantlngs. For a Jowinput approach. replace the grass underneath mDture trees with groundcover. For an even lower input approach, examine your lawn for potential conversion areas and plant groundco.....ers. trees. shrubs, or perennials in all areas where grass is hard to grow. For the lowest input approach, use turf only where it is the best plant to fulfill a particular function, such as providing a children's sports area, Provide a strong foundation for the lawn. For a low input lawn, get a soil test to determine the soil's pH and fertility. You may not need to add any lime or fertilizer to your lawn. For a lower input lawn, test for soil compaction. Can you sink a screwdriver into the ground without pounding or is the soil compacted? If the soil is compacted, aerate with a hand corer or mechanical aerator. For the lowest input lawn, examine the soil's texture- neither extremely sandy soils nor extremely heavy clay soils make for good lawns. Next count earthworms-if none can be found in a square foot of soil, there's a problem. A healthy soil community has over 10 per square foot. With this basic understanding of soil acidity, fertility, compac. tion. texture, and earthworms, one can build soil that supports dense, healthy turf. Choose the type of grass that will be easIest to grow. For a lowinput lawn, select hardy grass species adapted your the region's climate. For a lower input lawn, select named grass varieties to meet your specific needs. For the lowest input lawn, try the new low-input slow.growing or dwarf grass mixes. Mow to the right height at the right time, and recycle clippings. For a low' input lawn, leave clippings on the lawn to provide nutrients and moisture. For a lowerinput lawn. set mowing height as high as possible_ Forthe lowest input lawn, adjust mowing height and frequency during the growing season and monitor thatch levels. Give the lawn what It needs but don't overfeed. For a low input lawn. recycle clippings and (in the right season) apply commercial fertilizer at half the recommended rate; avoid weed and feed formulations and don't fertilize if rain is imminent. For a lowerinput lawn. fertilize as above but use encapsulated nitrogen or an organic product instead-and fertilize only if soil tests show it's needed. For the lowest input lawn, substitute home generated compost for commercial organic or encapsulated products. Establ1sh a realistic tolerance level for weeds and use least toxic control methods to maintain It. For a low input lawn use least toxic weed control methods such as: cultivation, solarization, flaming, mowing, or herbicidal soap. For a loweriflput lawn, grow strong healthy grass and it will crowd out weeds, For the lowest input lawn, broaden your Qefinition of "lawn- to include weeds that perform desirable functions. Establish a realistic tolerance level for pests and use. least toxic control methods to maintain It. For a low input lawn, use least toxic control methods such as removing ortrapping pests, introducing biological control agents, or apply least toxic chemical controls such as insecticidal soaps. For a lowerinput lawn, grow strong, healthy grass that can resist attack; For the lowesr input lawn. use cultural controls to prevent infestation, protect natural predators, and add beneficial soli microbes. Practice water conserving landscaping techniques. For a low input lawn, water infrequently, in the early morning, but soak the lawn well. For a lower Input lawn, water only when the lawn definitely needs it, and calibrate sprinklers. For the lowest input lown, accept that the grass may not be green year round, I .... . -)'-.:.