It’s not too early to start thinking about fall lawn care and restoration in our area. Did you know that the Master Gardeners offer a program to help you with that task? It’s called Healthy Virginia Lawns, a joint venture of Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Healthy Virginia Lawns will give you a customized, science-based roadmap to a greener landscape that protects water quality, wildlife, and other resources along the way.
The process begins with an onsite visit by Piedmont Master Gardener volunteers. They will assess the condition of your lawn, consult with you about your goals, measure the area of your lawn and collect soil samples for testing by Virginia Tech. They may also suggest small changes in mowing, watering, and landscaping practices that can yield big results for your lawn and the environment.
After receiving the soil test results, the Master Gardeners will provide a customized nutrient management plan that will help you achieve a healthier lawn while avoiding excessive use of fertilizer and other chemicals. Too often, homeowners and professional lawn-care services in our area indiscriminately apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to lawns without a prior soil test or site evaluation. Among other impacts, this can increase nutrient pollution in local waterways, which in turn causes oxygen-starved dead zones in the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. Nutrient pollution is the chief threat to the Bay and its valuable wildlife and fisheries.
The Healthy Virginia Lawns program accepts applications from April 1 through October 1. To schedule a lawn assessment, go to piedmontmastergardeners.org and find Healthy Virginia Lawns under the Gardening Resources tab. Download and complete the application form and submit it with a check for $25 (made payable to Treasurer, Virginia Tech) to cover the cost of the site visit, program materials, and one soil test. The application and the check may be submitted in person or by mail to:
Virginia Cooperative Extension – Albemarle Office
5th Street Albemarle County Office Building, 2nd floor
460 Stagecoach Road
Charlottesville, VA 22902
A video on the website explains what you can expect from Healthy Virginia Lawns. For more information, contact Virginia Cooperative Extension at 434-872-4580 or healthylawnsalbemarle@gmail.
