Yard Care
It is possible to have a beautiful yard and a healthy environment. You can prevent your lawn and garden from contributing polluted runoff to streams, lakes, and rivers.
Chemicals, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticide
- Apply these substances sparingly.
- Read labels carefully and DO NOT APPLY if the forecast calls for rain. If it rains, products will wash off into waterways before they have a chance to work.
- Clean up any spills immediately, and store products so that they won't get wet or leak.
- Consider natural and nontoxic alternatives to pesticides.
- Learn
about applying fertilizer so it doesn't pollute water.
Outdoor home maintenance
- Sweep up debris in your driveway instead of hosing it down.
- Pick up litter around your yard so it doesn't blow into streams or storm drains.
- Drain swimming pools only when chlorine is not detected by a swimming pool test kit.
- Direct water from your home's downspouts to vegetated areas or collect rainwater in a rain barrel.
Lawns
- Don't leave grass clippings or other yard waste along curbs or ditches.
- Don't over-water your lawn. Water during the cooler times of day to minimize evaporation. Turn off automatic sprinklers for a couple of days if it rains.
- Test soils before fertilizing lawns.
- Do not mow within at least 10 feet of the stream bank.
Landscaping
- Consider landscaping alternatives to grass lawns that offer more environmental benefits.
- Use mulch instead of herbicides. Mulch naturally prevents weeds and absorbs water.
- Select drought-resistant and native plants and grasses. Native plants require less water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
- Create a "rain garden" to collect and treat runoff before it leaves your property.
- Leave vegetated and wooded areas in their natural state, especially along streams and ditches.
Related Information
- Green Lawn Care
- Fertilizer Recommendations and Techniques to Maintain Landscapes and Protect Water Quality
- Composting
- Mulching
- Pest Management
Source: www.nccwep.org
