03 Apr
Thinking Green – Environmentals of Lawn Care and Water Quality
If you aren’t careful when taking care of your lawn, you will
directly have negative effects on your local environment and
watershed. There will be runoff from your lawn or garden into
storm drains that end in local rivers, ponds, and lakes. If you
use pesticides, organic matter, or other additives on your lawn,
they will end up contaminating areas both near and far from just
your own neighborhood.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t use any pesticides or
fertilizers, but you must be very cautious with their use. You
can be committed to the environment and still have a great
looking lawn.
Taking proper care of your lawn benefits you and
everyone in your area. You should promote proper care to your
neighbors as well, since more people being thoughtful in their
use of pesticides and fertilizers will create a healthier
environment for everyone. Having a healthy yard somewhat makes
up for the disturbance to the environment that the building
process created in the first place.
An important first step to successful lawn care and water quality
and quantity used is selecting the correct type of grass. Almost
fifty percent of the water used in residential areas in the
summer is used for lawn care. You should check to make sure your
sprinklers are not watering unnecessary areas, and that they are
being as efficient as possible.
Specifics of Lawn Care and Water Quality
Watering deeply, but not often, is important for a healthy lawn
and good water quality. Make sure that the water fully reaches
the soil before you water the grass any more. The water should
reach four to six inches deep. An exception to watering
infrequently is for newly seeded areas, that need to be watered
often, but only lightly instead of deeply.
If you are planting a
new lawn, do so at the prime growing time to make sure it grows
properly. A very important thing to keep in mind is not to use
pesticides right before watering. You will have the disadvantage
of it being washed away right away and not helping your lawn, and
at the same time, the disadvantage to the local watershed and
environment.
The soil can be tested to find out how much lime and fertilizer
is needed. This will help you to have a healthy lawn without
contaminating the environment. Applying too much does nothing to
help, and it will just be washed away. Having a form of nitrate
that is slowly released into the soil is much less likely to get
into the water system. Also, a layer of mulch on the soil helps
to prevent runoff and soil erosion.
By: Keith Markensen
About the Author:
Keith Markensen shares truths on homeowners safety with pesticide dangers for homeowners and always offers advice from years of landscape experience at www.Plant-Care.com where professional landscape advice is only a click away.