According to a new NC State University Organic Lawn Care publication, "Lawns are more than attractive recreational spaces for homes and communities; they also serve many useful purposes. Lawns stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. They reduce the runoff of rainwater and filter surface water before it recharges drinking water supplies. Like other landscape plants, lawns absorb sound and reduce air pollution in our increasingly urban landscape."

The publication continues, "Although the benefits of an established lawn are numerous, some lawn maintenance practices have environmental side effects. That is why many people enjoy a sense of security when they use a non-chemical approach to lawn management. Natural or “organic” methods of lawn care can provide more than just a sense of protecting the environment."

• You will not need to store potentially dangerous chemical pesticides around the home
• You will not have to find safe ways of disposing of empty containers.
• You will eliminate concerns about the effects of pesticide residues on people (especially children who play on grass), pets, birds, and other wildlife.
• Potential risk to pesticide applicators from exposure to pesticides is also reduced.

People who practice organic lawn care can be proud of their efforts to recycle resources by composting yard waste and using other available waste products in their lawns. An organic lawn can provide all of the benefits of a healthy lawn without the use of synthetic chemicals. Establishing a healthy stand of turfgrass is the best way to defend against pests. Many problems with weeds, diseases, and insects can be prevented or minimized by good turf management."

• Keep lawns healthy by soil testing and adding lime as needed.
• Keep cool-season lawns dense by aerating and overseeding each fall to outcompete weeds and resist fungal diseases.
• Avoid mowing lawns too short; taller lawns are healthier and more competitive against weeds.
• There are a number of organic pesticides that can be used against insects such as Neem, BT, milky spore, Beauveria, beneficial nematodes, etc.