Child's Play Organic Lawns organic fertilizers and lawn care programs. Natural, non-toxic lawn products. Organic lawncare is fertilization and proper maintenance techniques to minimize weeds, fungus, and grubs. Natural, organic lawn care is safe for kids and pets. Organic fertilizers protect our environment and are sustainable.

Child's Play Organic Lawns services South Bend, Elkhart, Granger and Mishawaka, Indiana. We also work in Southwest Michigan. We specialize in organic fertilizers and lawn care programs. Organic lawns are maintained using natural, non-toxic lawn products wherever possible. Organic lawncare emphasizes fertilization and proper maintenance techniques to minimize weeds, fungus, and insect damage. Natural, organic lawn care leads to a yard that is safe for kids and pets. Organic fertilizers help protect our environment and promote ecological sustainability.

12871 Industrial Park Drive, #16 • Granger, IN 46530 • 574.277.LAWN

Office hours: M-F 8-5, Weekends by appointment. Voice mail is checked routinely.
Please call ahead if you want to pick up products.

Core Aeration

Core aeration is one of the healthiest things you can do for a lawn. Aerification is the mechanical removal of soil cores. It is used to relieve compaction, reduce thatch, improve water and air movement into the soil, increase rooting, and improve turfgrass health. Aeration is used most commonly in areas that have been compacted, such as heavy traffic areas.

Aerification of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, and tall fescue should be done in the fall or spring when the turf is actively growing.

(Image and information courtesy Purdue University)

A lawn being power raked. The dethatcher produces large quantities of refuse, and the lawn will look very ragged for a time. Refuse is raked away and either disposed of, composted or mulched.

Power Rake (Dethatch)

Thatch is a mix of dead and living material that accumulates on the soil surface. Thatch accumulates due to over-fertilization, over-watering, and/or soil compaction. A small amount of thatch is desirable because it helps to moderate soil temperature fluctuations and provides a cushion on the soil surface. But too much thatch interferes with water and air movement, reduces fertilizer and pesticide response, and increases disease and insect activity.

Dethatching machines are power rakes with blades that cut through the thatch, loosening dead and live organic material and bringing it to the surface of the lawn. Dethatching machines that cut with knives or blades are much better than machines with flexible rake-type tines and removable attachments for a rotary mower blade.

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue should be dethatched in the spring (April) or in the fall (Sept.) when it is still actively growing - never in the summer

(Information courtesy Purdue University)

Creating and maintaining quality turfgrass involves more than irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide applications. A dense, healthy turf demands proper mowing techniques, occasional dethatching, and aerification in addition to fertilization and pest control. Knowing when and how to conduct these cultural practices will help enable one to have a thick, vigorous turf. Download this .pdf for more information...