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.
Side Note: For Green Click Here
No comments:
Post a Comment