We've been approached, researched, and investigated by multiple corporate giants and their industry investigators, all of whom have wondered, "How on earth do you control weeds without using our herbicides?" In this blog post, we aim to demystify the world of organic gardening. The ideas presented here are not original to us; instead, they are age-old practices handed down through generations of organic farmers. Unfortunately, much of this knowledge has been forgotten. We're here to immortalize these practices on the internet, helping to lessen our dependence on outdated chemical technologies.

A little background about us: We're not a massive conglomerate but rather ordinary people who, like you, seek a normal, cancer-free life. From the beginning, we decided against using chemicals. We would rather not risk our health for profit. As a result, our journey has been filled with numerous obstacles and insurmountable challenges. We encountered a plethora of misinformation online, leaving us to wonder: either no one truly understands how to do organic weed control management correctly, or somebody is intentionally misinforming the public. Regardless, our goal was to find a 100% organic solution that works. Fortunately, we have discovered the answers that we are now presenting to you on a silver platter.

There are several cultural and biological weed management strategies that homeowners like you (and even other companies) can use to control weeds in your lawns and gardens. These methods are more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and often more effective than using chemical herbicides. In fact, we are making this available to the public because as time goes by we really would rather have a societal paradigm shift. We would love to see the practices we found be use by other companies and lessen our overall exposure to chemicals.

When mulching around plant beds, avoid using weed fabric underneath the mulch layer. The reason for this is that organic mulch will naturally decompose over time, contributing to the nutrient cycling process and enriching the soil. Weed fabric can inhibit this decomposition process and may even create a barrier that prevents water and nutrients from reaching plant roots. Instead, opt for a thick layer of organic mulch, which will gradually break down and improve soil structure and fertility.

As the mulch decomposes in plant beds, you may notice some weed germination or a decrease in the thickness of the mulch bed. This is an excellent time to hand weed specific areas and add more mulch to maintain its weed-suppressing abilities and continue promoting a healthy garden environment. Regularly monitoring and replenishing your mulch layers will ensure that your garden remains weed-free and vibrant. In lawns, areas that were top dressed would eventually be filled by perennial grasses. Note that this takes time. Root exudates propagate at 65F and warmer. If it is too cold, the lawn simply remains dormant until the right temperature comes.

In addition to weed suppression, mulching provides other benefits such as moderating soil temperature, reducing soil erosion, and providing a habitat for beneficial insects and microorganisms. By incorporating mulching into your gardening routine, you can create a more sustainable, low-maintenance, and productive garden that thrives without the need for synthetic chemicals.

By carefully selecting companion plants that release allelopathic compounds or create physical barriers, you can naturally reduce weed growth and minimize the need for chemical weed control methods. Allelopathic plants: Certain plants release allelopathic chemicals that can inhibit the germination and growth of weeds. By planting these species alongside your desired plants, you create a natural form of weed suppression.

Examples of allelopathic plants include:
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• Marigolds: These colorful flowers release compounds that can suppress weeds and deter pests, making them excellent companion plants for vegetables.
• Sunflowers: Their tall growth and dense canopy can shade out weeds, while their allelopathic properties help prevent weed germination.
• Rye: This cover crop releases allelopathic chemicals that suppress weed growth and can improve soil structure when incorporated into the soil.
• Physical barriers: Some plants act as physical barriers, limiting the available space, sunlight, and nutrients for weeds to grow. These plants can outcompete weeds and make it difficult for them to establish.

Examples include:

• Groundcovers: Low-growing plants like creeping thyme, ajuga, or sweet alyssum form dense mats that leave little room for weeds to grow. They also reduce soil erosion and help retain soil moisture.
• Tall plants: Species with a large canopy, such as sunflowers or Texas sage, can shade out weeds and limit their access to sunlight, inhibiting their growth.
• Plants with dense foliage: Crops like bush beans or potatoes have dense foliage that can compete effectively with weeds for nutrients and water, reducing weed growth.

Incorporating a variety of plant species in your garden can make it more difficult for weeds to establish and thrive. Diverse plantings create a complex environment that offers different root structures, growth patterns, and resource competition, making it challenging for weeds to find a niche in which they can flourish.

By using companion planting as part of your overall organic weed management strategy, you can create a more balanced and resilient ecosystem that naturally suppresses weed growth, reduces the need for chemical herbicides, and promotes healthier, more productive gardens.

Lastly, the use of all the strategies above helps in creating a natural biological control. This is intelligent use of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control pests that can damage or weaken plants, can also indirectly help control weed growth. By combining these cultural and biological weed management strategies, homeowners can develop an integrated weed management approach that is effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.

It's important to note that these methods require more time, expertise, and effort than using chemical herbicides, but the long-term benefits for soil health, plant productivity, and environmental health make them well worth the time investment. And this is where we come in. We do not sell a bag of fertilizer nor a bag of herbicide. That is the problem with doing things organically. It is not scalable and does not yield incredible returns. Fortunately, we just happen to love what we do. What we offer to our community is a lifelong commitment to organic lawn care and gardening in a highly urbanized environment. We are your personal organic farmer, but instead of propagating potatoes, we are growing grasses, and instead of growing giant sweet corns, we are propagating native flowers. Feel free to ask us any questions in the comments section below. We are here to help.

Many new clients have asked us about our weed targeting methods, and we want to clarify our approach. At 50k Professional Lawn Services LLC, we prioritize the health of the soil that your lawn grows in, rather than targeting individual weeds. We take inspiration from organic farms in America and from far flung areas in the world that has not yet been taken over by large conglomerates (yes, we travel the world to get unbiased information to apply to lawns), who use traditional methods to make their crops more resilient to pests, diseases, and weed infestations. By prioritizing soil health, we ensure that your lawn outgrows unwanted vegetation through crop rotation and propagation methods.

Unlike the tens of thousands of other lawn care companies in the industry, we do not rely on pre-emergent nor on post-emergent treatments to control weeds. Instead, we utilize cutting-edge soil science and traditional pre-World War farming methods to propagate lawns. We have extensively researched these methods, debunking misinformation along the way, and developed proprietary techniques to promote optimal soil health for lawns.

Our comprehensive approach to organic lawn care includes a combination of soil science, traditional crop management techniques, and advanced technology. By focusing on the health of your soil, we are able to create a thriving, resilient lawn that can resist weeds, pests, and diseases. While we are neither a weed control nor a pest control company, our proprietary techniques have the inadvertent positive effects of suppressing both weed germination and pest infestation for reasons we still do not yet fully understand. Our hunch is a high brix indicator test of grass blade sap resists both through the natural breakdown of sugar in grass root exudation. But then again, this is just a hunch. Another hunch is the unavailability of nitrates in the soil makes it harder for weeds and pests to have immediate nutrients for growth: the lawn on the other hand has the ability to convert organic matter into nitrogen through bacterial decomposition; hence, the use of bacteria dominant compost tea. What we know for sure is that our proprietary method works. We take pride in offering a different kind of service not available anywhere else in Austin that is grounded in science and has been proven to produce impressive results in the real world. We simply focus on creating healthy soil conditions that are favorable to grass growth. That's all.

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IN DETAIL

Unpacking the Science Behind a Novel Organic Lawn Care Approach
This report delves into the science behind a comprehensive organic lawn care approach that integrates soil science, traditional crop management techniques, and advanced technology. This approach prioritizes soil health to cultivate thriving, resilient lawns that naturally resist weeds, pests, and diseases. While the exact mechanisms behind the success of this proprietary method are still being investigated, this report explores the potential roles of soil health, brix levels in grass, nitrogen availability, and compost tea in achieving these impressive results.
Core Principles of Organic Lawn CareOrganic lawn care distinguishes itself from conventional methods by focusing on fostering a healthy soil ecosystem to support vigorous grass growth. This approach aims to create a self-sustaining system where natural processes handle most of the lawn's needs, reducing the need for constant intervention. It involves mimicking natural ecosystems to promote biodiversity and long-term sustainability.  


One of the key benefits of this approach is water conservation. Organic lawns typically require less water than chemically treated ones because they develop deeper root systems and healthier soil structures. This leads to increased drought tolerance and reduces water bills.  


Essential organic lawn care practices include:

• Regular soil testing to assess soil health and nutrient levels.  
• Addition of approved materials for soil fertility and amendment as needed, based on soil test results.  
• Selection of the right grass species for your climate and soil type to minimize maintenance and reduce the need for external inputs.  
• Proper mowing practices, such as mowing high and leaving grass clippings on the lawn as a natural source of nitrogen.  
• Modification of outdoor management practices to comply with organic horticultural science, including scouting, monitoring, watering, mowing, pruning, proper spacing, and mulching.  
• Use of physical controls, such as hand weeding and overseeding.  
• Use of biological controls, including the introduction of natural predators and the enhancement of the environment of a pest's natural enemy.  

The Crucial Role of Soil HealthHealthy soil provides the foundation for a thriving organic lawn. It's not merely a static medium but a dynamic ecosystem teeming with life. A healthy soil food web, with its diverse microorganisms, is the cornerstone of this approach.  


FunctionDescription
Regulating waterControls where rain, snowmelt, and irrigation water goes. Water flows over the land or into and through the soil.
Sustaining plant and animal lifeThe diversity and productivity of living things depends on soil.
Filtering and buffering potential pollutantsThe minerals and microbes in soil are responsible for filtering, buffering, degrading, immobilizing, and detoxifying organic and inorganic materials, including industrial and municipal by-products and atmospheric deposits.
Cycling nutrientsCarbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and many other nutrients are stored, transformed, and cycled in the soil.
Providing physical stability and supportSoil structure provides a medium for plant roots. Soils also provide support for human structures and protection for archeological treasures.
 These microorganisms play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, making nutrients available to plants, and protecting them from diseases. Organic matter, such as compost, enhances soil structure by binding soil particles into aggregates. This creates a crumbly, porous soil that allows for better root penetration, aeration, drainage, and water retention.  


Aeration is another important aspect of soil health. Core aeration, which involves creating small holes in the soil, improves water infiltration, air circulation, and nutrient availability, leading to a stronger and healthier turf.  


Furthermore, a healthy soil fosters a diverse microbial community that contributes to disease suppression. This intricate interplay between different species creates a balanced ecosystem where beneficial organisms thrive, reducing the need for chemical interventions.  


Key Insight: A healthy soil ecosystem reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.  


Impact of Soil Health on Weed Germination and Pest InfestationHealthy soil plays a vital role in suppressing weed germination and pest infestation. When soil conditions are less than optimal, weeds can easily establish and compete with turfgrass for resources.  


Several factors can compromise turfgrass health and encourage weed growth:

• Poor fertility: Insufficient nutrients weaken the turfgrass, making it more susceptible to weed competition.  
• Soil acidity: Acidic soils can hinder nutrient availability and create an environment favorable for certain weeds.  
• Excess moisture: Waterlogged soil can suffocate grass roots and promote the growth of weeds that thrive in wet conditions.  
• Drought: Dry soil can stress turfgrass, making it less competitive against drought-tolerant weeds.  
• Compaction: Compacted soil restricts root growth and water infiltration, weakening the turfgrass and creating opportunities for weeds.  
• Low light levels: Insufficient sunlight can weaken turfgrass, making it less competitive against shade-tolerant weeds.  

In addition to these factors, soil temperature and water potential also influence weed germination. Different weed species have varying temperature and moisture requirements for germination. By understanding these factors, organic lawn care practices can be tailored to create conditions that favor turfgrass growth and suppress weed establishment.  


Cover crops can also be used to improve soil health and suppress weeds. These crops help prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and contribute organic matter when turned into the soil.  


Key Insight: Healthy soil promotes deeper root systems, stronger plants, and increased resistance to stress factors such as drought, pests, and diseases.  


The Role of Brix Indicator Test in Organic Lawn CareThe brix indicator test measures the sugar, vitamins, minerals, amino acid proteins, and other solid content found in the sap of a plant. It provides valuable insights into plant health, nutrient density, and resistance to pests and diseases. A high brix reading generally indicates a healthier and more resilient plant.  


High brix levels in plants can deter pests in several ways:

• Nutrient density: High brix plants are more difficult for insects to digest. For example, insects feeding on high-brix plants may experience digestive discomfort or harm due to the high nutrient concentration.  
• Plant health: Healthy plants have stronger cell walls that are harder for insects to penetrate. This physical barrier makes it more challenging for pests to feed on the plant.  
• Sugar concentration: High sugar concentration can dehydrate insects. When insects feed on high-brix plants, the osmotic pressure caused by the high sugar content can draw water out of their bodies, leading to dehydration.  

Brix meters can also be used to determine the efficacy of nutrient applications. By measuring brix levels before and after applying fertilizers or soil amendments, you can assess how well the plant is absorbing and utilizing the nutrients.  


Furthermore, a refractometer, used to measure brix, can also indicate calcium sufficiency in plants. A blurry line where the upper and lower part of the scale join indicates sufficient calcium, while a sharp line suggests a deficiency.  


In addition to its role in pest and disease resistance, a high brix reading can also indicate the overall flavor, storage potential, and ripeness of fruits and vegetables. This is because high brix levels are often associated with increased sugar content, which enhances flavor and improves storage quality.  


Key Insight: High brix levels not only indicate nutrient density but also contribute to stronger plant defenses against pests and diseases.  


The Role of Nitrogen Availability in Organic Lawn CareNitrogen is a primary plant nutrient that is essential for lawn health. It is a major component of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green color of grass and plays a vital role in photosynthesis. Nitrogen also contributes to the overall vigor and growth of the lawn.  


In organic lawn care, nitrogen is typically supplied through:

• Organic matter: Decomposing organic materials, such as grass clippings and leaves, release nitrogen as they break down.  
• Organic fertilizers: These fertilizers provide a slow and steady release of nitrogen, minimizing the risk of leaching and environmental pollution. Organic fertilizers contain nitrogen in different forms, such as urea, ammonium sulfate, or nitrate, which influence nutrient release rates.  
• Atmospheric nitrogen: Certain bacteria in the soil can convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This natural process contributes to the nitrogen cycle and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.  

To determine the right amount of nitrogen needed for the lawn, it is important to conduct a soil test. This will provide information about the existing nitrogen levels in the soil and guide appropriate fertilization practices.  


Key Insight: Nitrogen is essential for the production of chlorophyll, which is crucial for photosynthesis and the overall health and vigor of the lawn.  


The Role of Compost Tea in Organic Lawn CareCompost tea is a liquid extract of compost that is rich in beneficial microorganisms. It can be applied to the lawn as a soil drench or foliar spray to improve soil health and enhance plant growth. The effectiveness of compost tea depends on the quality of the compost used in the brewing process.  


Benefits of compost tea include:

• Adds nutrients: Compost tea provides essential nutrients to the lawn, supporting healthy growth.  
• Reaches important areas: Compost tea can penetrate deep into the soil and also coat the leaves of the grass, providing benefits both above and below ground.  
• Weed control: Improved soil quality can discourage weed growth by creating an environment that favors turfgrass.  
• Insect repellent: Compost tea can contain microbes that are effective against insects, contributing to natural pest control. For example, compost tea can be used to suppress insect pests by adding specific types of microbes that compete with or prey on those pests.  
• Plant disease control: Compost tea has shown promise in controlling plant diseases by introducing beneficial microorganisms that compete with pathogens.  

Compost tea must be applied within four to six hours after brewing to ensure the viability of the microorganisms. This is because the beneficial organisms in compost tea are sensitive to environmental conditions and may lose their effectiveness if not applied promptly.  


Key Insight: Compost tea can provide essential nutrients, enhance soil microbial activity, and contribute to natural pest and disease control, promoting a more environmentally friendly approach to lawn care.  

Synthesis and ConclusionThis comprehensive organic lawn care approach, as employed in Austin, focuses on creating a healthy soil ecosystem to support thriving turfgrass. By integrating soil science, traditional crop management techniques, and potentially advanced technology such as brix meters and compost tea brewers, this approach aims to create a self-sustaining lawn that requires minimal intervention.
The research presented in this report highlights the crucial role of soil health in achieving a beautiful and resilient lawn. Healthy soil promotes deeper root systems, stronger plants, and increased resistance to stress factors such as drought, pests, and diseases. This, in turn, reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach.
While the specific mechanisms behind the success of this proprietary method are still being investigated, the potential roles of soil health, brix levels in grass, nitrogen availability, and compost tea are evident. By fostering a thriving soil ecosystem, this approach empowers the lawn to naturally resist weeds, pests, and diseases.
Further research into the interactions between these factors can provide a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms at play and further refine this innovative approach to organic lawn care.

Iron-based herbicides are now being sold as a one size fits all spray for all types of broadleaves. Iron-based weed control has even been proposed as a more natural alternative to chemical herbicides, which are known to have negative impacts on the environment and human health. But, the use of iron-based herbicides for weed control also has significant drawbacks, and in this blog post we will argue that their use should be carefully considered, minimized and even eliminated altogether in your garden routine. It is always best to attack the root cause of the problems (THE SOIL!). 

The first major problem with iron-based herbicides is their potential negative impact on soil microbiology. Iron is an essential nutrient for plants, but excessive amounts of iron can be toxic to soil microorganisms, which play a critical role in maintaining soil health and fertility. These microorganisms break down organic matter and cycle nutrients, including iron, to plants. The use of iron-based herbicides can lead to the accumulation of iron in the soil, which can inhibit the growth of beneficial microorganisms and disrupt nutrient cycling processes. This can have long-term impacts on soil health and plant productivity, and may require additional inputs of fertilizers and soil amendments to mitigate.

In addition to their impacts on soil microbiology, and this is point number 2, iron-based herbicides can also have negative effects on aquatic ecosystems. When iron is applied, it can leach into nearby waterways, where it can be toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. This can have significant ecological impacts, especially in areas where water quality is already compromised due to other stressors. Iron-based herbicides may also contribute to the formation of harmful algal blooms, which can further degrade water quality and harm aquatic life. In Austin, we have unfortunately had experienced this. Rivers that used to be deemed safe for dogs to swim are now off limits due to the risk of blue-green algal blooms. In fact, Austinites are now being warned to assume that all algal blooms harmful and to simply avoid it altogether.

Third, iron-based herbicides are not always effective against all types of weeds. Some species may be resistant to iron-based herbicides, and multiple applications may be necessary to achieve adequate control. This can lead to increased costs, as well as elevated environmental risks and exposure associated with repeated applications. On top of this, iron-based herbicides can damage or kill desirable plants if not applied carefully or in the right conditions. This can have significant economic impacts especially those growing sensitive crops in their backyards. There is a reason why iron-based herbicides for weed control is highly regulated. There is a reason why the spray bottle has the word, "CAUTION", on its label. 

Fourth, while the initial cost of iron-based herbicides may be lower than chemical herbicides, the need for multiple applications and potential impacts on soil health may increase overall costs in the long run. Iron-based herbicides can be more expensive and less effective than just manually removing weeds by hand and maintaining soil health. This means that if broadleaves are all over your lawn, you have a soil problem, not an iron problem. 

Fifth issue with iron-based herbicides is their potential to contribute to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. While iron-based herbicides are not currently used as widely as chemical herbicides, the repeated use of any herbicide can naturally select - through the Theory of Natural Selection, thank you very much Charles Darwin - for weed populations that are resistant to its mode of action. This can lead to the development of superweeds that are difficult or impossible to control, and may require even more toxic or expensive herbicides to manage. The potential for herbicide-resistant weeds is a significant concern, and the use of iron-based herbicides may exacerbate this problem.

To conclude, while iron-based herbicides may offer some benefits as an alternative to chemical herbicides, their use should be carefully considered, minimized, and even eliminated whenever possible. The potential negative impacts on soil microbiology and aquatic ecosystems, as well as their limited effectiveness against some weed species, high costs, and potential to contribute to herbicide resistance, all highlight the need for caution when using these products. Homeowners should explore a range of weed control methods, including cultural and biological controls, ground covers, overseeding, checking for soil pH, availability of nutrients, core aeration, as well as manual removal, to develop a holistically integrated organic weed management strategies that are sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.

But then again, who are we? We may have a conflict of interest against iron-based herbicide manufacturers. That is why we are leaving the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to give the final word about iron toxicity in soil, "There is currently no practical field management option to treat iron toxicity."