Follow these environmentally responsible tips for a healthy
lawn or use a lawn service that offers healthy lawn care
options.
Fertilizers
Select earth-friendly fertilizers. These include
products where 50% or more of the nitrogen is in
slow-release form, and they are labeled as low or no
phosphorus and pesticide-free.
Sweep up fertilizer from paved surfaces and put it back
into the lawn. Fertilizer left on sidewalks can easily wash
into storm drains, rivers, and lakes.
Leave a "no fertilizer" 10 foot to 25 foot buffer zone
near lakes and rivers. Instead of turf grass, plant native
grasses, tall wildflowers or shrubs to trap pollutants and
discourage Canadian geese.
Do not fertilize before early May and never fertilize if
the ground is still frozen. Fertilize in the fall for a
green lawn in the spring.
Sprinkling
If you have an automatic sprinkler system, set the timer
to come on only at night between the hours of midnight and
6:00 a. m. This helps ensure proper water pressure and helps
to keep the water rates down.
Do not water every day. If your address is an even
number, sprinkle on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If your
address is an odd number, sprinkle on Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday. If necessary add an extra sprinkling day on
Sunday.
Mowing
When you mow, set the blade height to 3 inches or more.
This promotes deeper roots and shades out the weeds.
Mulch the grass clippings. Clippings are a source of
nitrogen, so those expensive fertilizers can be reduced by
25% or more.
Mow dry leaves right into the lawn. Healthy soil
consists of at least 5% organic matter. This allows for
better storage of nutrients and water.
