If you have kids or pets, you most likely want to maintain a healthy lawn without using excess chemicals or other toxic materials. The good news is that protecting the ones you love doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your lawn's beauty and lush appearance. Here are five things any yard owner can do to make their lawn safer. 

1. Work With Professionals. A skilled landscape service can be a great ally to help reach your goal. They have experience with all types of lawns and lawn problems. Once they understand your goals regarding the use of chemicals, they will offer other choices based on their own experience and expertise.

2. Use Plants Wisely. The plants you have in and around your lawn can help protect and grow safely. Dense plants around the lawn's border, for instance, help prevent weeds from growing. Thorny shrubs may deter neighborhood dogs from peeing on your lawn. And marigolds, lavender, or chrysanthemum can often help repel pests from invading the lawn. And use overhead shade trees wisely to get the proper levels of sun and shade to the grass. 

3. Test Soil First. Many lawn care issues are linked to the minerals and pH balance within the soil. But many homeowners don't know how to test their soil prior to attempting to fix a problem, and even fewer may take this step. Starting with additional information can help you target problems, such as yellowing grass, without large-scale intervention.

4. Let Grass Grow. Allow your grass to get a little longer than many homeowners commonly allow. The additional height helps in many ways, including providing shade for delicate roots and preventing rapid evaporation. It also means that the roots of your lawn get a chance to dig deep and form a healthy foundation that will stand up to pests and other damage. 

5. Don't Assume Schedules. Some elements of lawn care are put on a standard schedule that may or may not be necessary for your lawn. For example, a healthy and well-maintained lawn may not need to be fertilized more than once per year. So before you assume that you should use fertilizer, weed killer, or irrigation on a certain schedule, make additional inquiries with your lawn care provider. They will tailor your schedules instead. 

Want more ideas to minimize the use of chemicals and toxins in your lawn? Begin by meeting with an experienced lawn care provider familiar with your climate and geography. Together, you can learn how to get both a happy lawn and a healthy play area for everyone. Make an appointment today to get started.