Bluegrass PRIDE-Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment

TIPS FOR A “GREEN” LAWN

1.	Water early in the morning.
2.	Water more deeply (not more frequently) to encourage a deeper root system.
3.	On sloping land, irrigate more slowly to prevent runoff.
4.	Adjust sprinklers so they are not watering the road or driveway.
5.	Install a rain barrel to catch rainwater; use the water on your lawn and garden.
6.	Keep grass at a height of about 3 inches. This will allow for deeper root growth and healthier grass.
7.	Leave your grass clippings on the lawn; they act as natural fertilizer for your grass.
8.	Never fertilize before it rains.
9.	Use natural or compost fertilizer on your lawn.
10.	Apply fertilizer in the fall.
11.	Incorporate native plant species into your lawn and garden. They require fewer inputs and provide the best food and habitat for local wildlife.
12.	Use Integrated Pest Management rather than relying only on chemical pesticides that can be harmful to the environment, children, and pets.
13.	Plant a rain garden to decrease runoff from storm water.
14.	Don’t leave grass clippings on driveways and sidewalks; they will just wash into the storm drain. And, definitely don’t rake clippings into the street or creek.
15.	Have your soil tested to determine its nutrient needs. Make fertilizer type and application decisions based on the soil test.

Irrigate Efficiently:
Along with rain, water from garden hoses and sprinkler systems can easily pick up pollution and carry it to our water resources. Lawns only need about one inch of water per week, including rainfall. Irrigate efficiently to avoid over-watering and increasing runoff.

•	Water early in the morning to prevent fungal diseases.
•	Water longer instead of more frequently to encourage deeper roots.
•	Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
•	Because water is more likely to runoff clay soils and sloping lots, irrigate these areas slowly or in multiple short cycles to prevent water runoff.
•	Watering is not necessary during the dormant season (November-February)
•	Adjust sprinklers so you are not watering the street or the sidewalk.
•	Turn off your sprinklers when it’s raining; let nature water the grass for you!
•	Use a rain barrel to catch the water from your roof, and use it to water your lawns and gardens.

Mow Properly:

•	Mow frequently enough that no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade is removed at one time.
•	Mow when the grass is dry to avoid spreading turf diseases.
•	Cut grass higher in the summer to help establish a deeper root system.
•	Do not bag your grass clippings and use a mulching mower when possible; cut grass left on the lawn returns 60% of the nitrogen and 100% of the phosphorous to the soil.

Test the soil:
The results from a soil test will give you precise nutrient requirements for the soil type and plant type in you lawn or garden! Not only will this keep excess nutrients out of aquatic ecosystems, but it will save you money and time, too!

Apply lawn & garden chemicals properly:
Pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides that end up in the wrong place can degrade water quality and harm aquatic habitats by encouraging algae blooms, vegetation degradation and fish kills. Pesticides are often wrongly applied at times when target insects are not vulnerable. Overuse and inappropriate use often kill beneficial insects and other wildlife. Less than 10% of all insects are harmful to plants. By minimizing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, these pollutants will not run-off into local waterways. This improves the quality of the water and the aquatic life in it. In healthy water systems, natural controls, such as fish, frogs, and snails will help keep insect populations under control and reduce algae buildup.

•	Utilize natural compost and fertilizer instead of synthetic. This will improve soil pH, texture, and fertility. Natural compost also causes less leaching to groundwater.
•	Do not use “weed and feed” products; the time to fertilize and the time to use herbicide are different. Plus, many non-specific herbicides are harmful to the environment.
•	Avoid pesticides. Learn to use Integrated Pest Management to attract pest eating insects and wildlife.
•	Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides that land on impervious surfaces (like driveways and sidewalks) end up running off into the storm drain system, so sweep any fertilizer granules that fall on sidewalks or driveways back onto your lawn.

NEVER FERTILIZE BEFORE IT RAINS!!!

Don’t use the storm drain system as a trash bin:
Even though yard waste is organic, large amounts of are difficult for aquatic habitats to process.

•	Leaving yard debris in rain gutters or in the street instead of on your curb can block storm drains.
•	Composting is a great (and free!) way to turn unwanted yard waste into a great gardening product!

Tips for a Green Lawn

Take a lawn Care Audit