Wednesday: Lawn Care 101
Beyond rain collection, what else can you do around your property to reduce stormwater pollution?
As part of our daily Wisconsin Stormwater Week series, today we explore "Lawn Care 101." Continue reading to learn how homeowners like you can follow simple steps to reduce stormwater pollution while caring for your lawn. In today’s topic, we will explore the importance of keeping grass clippings in your yard and off the street. Let's dive in and discover how you can contribute to cleaner, healthier waterways right from your backyard.
Join residents from around Wisconsin as we explore Lawn Care 101!
What is Stormwater Runoff?
Stormwater refers to the water that originates from precipitation events such as rain or snowmelt. When it falls on impervious surfaces like rooftops, roads, and sidewalks, it cannot soak into the ground and instead becomes stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff flows over these hard surfaces, eventually finding its way into drainage systems, streams, rivers, and lakes. Essentially, stormwater runoff is the excess water that does not get absorbed into the soil.
Why Should We Keep Grass Clippings Off the Street?
Grass clippings may seem harmless, but when they end up on the street, they significantly contribute to stormwater pollution.
During rain events, grass clippings can be easily washed into storm drains, which eventually discharge into our local waterways in most Wisconsin communities. Grass clippings that build up in the storm drain can also cause drainage issues and localized street flooding. Plus, as grass clippings decompose, they release nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which act as pollutants when they enter waterways in high concentrations. This nutrient-rich runoff can lead to excessive algae growth, depleting oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life, and disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems. The imbalance in aquatic ecosystems caused by nutrient pollution disrupts the natural food chain, negatively affecting fish populations, and harming other organisms that depend on clean water. Additionally, the decomposition of grass clippings releases organic matter that further degrades water quality, leading to murky and unattractive conditions.
Make sure to use a leaf blower or broom to clean up any grass clippings that end up on the street, sidewalk, or driveway.
What are the Benefits of Keeping Grass Clippings on Your Yard?
Did you know that grass clippings can be a valuable natural lawn fertilizer? When you leave grass clippings on your yard, they break down and return essential nutrients to the soil that contributes to a greener, more resilient lawn. These clippings contain nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are vital for healthy grass growth. By allowing the clippings to decompose and release nutrients slowly, you can provide a natural, sustainable source of lawn fertilizer that does not cost extra! Plus, you will reduce your need for harmful fertilizers and pesticides that can get washed along with stormwater runoff into our waterways. Additionally, the presence of grass clippings helps shade the soil, reducing moisture evaporation and conserving water, especially during hot summer months.
By understanding the detrimental effects of grass clippings on the street and embracing the practice of keeping them on your yard, you can actively participate in reducing stormwater pollution and promoting a healthier environment. The benefits of this simple yet impactful action extend beyond your yard, positively impacting the quality of our waterways and supporting the overall well-being of aquatic ecosystems. Let's all commit to keeping our grass clippings where they belong - on our yards - and be stewards of clean and sustainable lawn care practices.
Did you know? Grass clippings are 75-85% water
What Else Can You Do Around Your Yard?
Interested in other tips for creating a healthy, low-impact lawn? Check out our other tips to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution around your yard.
Follow watering techniques to prevent overwatering and runoff: Watering your lawn efficiently is essential for maintaining a healthy and low-impact lawn. Avoid overwatering, as excess water wastes a precious resource and contributes to stormwater runoff. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and make your lawn more resilient to drought conditions. Consider using a sprinkler system with a rain sensor or a smart irrigation controller that adjusts watering based on weather conditions. By practicing proper watering techniques, you can minimize runoff and conserve water while promoting a lush, thriving lawn.
Adopt natural lawn care practices such as aeration, overseeding, and organic fertilizers: Embracing natural lawn care practices can significantly contribute to a healthier, low-impact lawn. Aeration involves creating small holes in the soil to improve water penetration, air circulation, and nutrient absorption. Overseeding helps thicken the lawn, reducing bare spots and weed growth naturally. When choosing fertilizers, opt for organic options that release nutrients slowly and promote long-term soil health. Organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources and provide a more sustainable approach to nourishing your lawn, without the risk of chemical runoff and water contamination.
Keep fertilizer on the lawn: Ensuring any fertilizer you put down only ends up on your lawn will also help reduce excess nutrients or phosphorous from getting washed into a storm drain or local waterway. Like keeping grass clippings out of the streets, sweep up any fertilizer that falls onto your sidewalks, driveway, or the street.
Minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides that can contribute to water pollution: Reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides while caring for your lawn is vital for safeguarding water quality. These chemicals can easily wash off lawns during rain events, ending up in our waterways and posing risks to aquatic life and human health. Instead, consider integrated pest management techniques that focus on preventing pest issues through cultural practices such as proper mowing height, regular maintenance, and encouraging natural predators. If you need to address specific pest or weed problems, explore organic or less-toxic alternatives that have minimal impact on water resources and ecosystems.
By implementing these additional tips for a healthy, low-impact lawn, you can go beyond keeping grass clippings on your yard and further contribute to reducing stormwater pollution. Let's strive for beautiful, resilient lawns that enhance the aesthetics of our homes, protect our waterways, and support the overall health of our ecosystems.
Now What?
Understanding the basics of stormwater runoff and pollution is crucial for protecting our water resources and creating a sustainable future.
We can significantly reduce stormwater pollution by adopting responsible residential practices, implementing best management practices in commercial and industrial settings, and community-wide efforts.
Check out our other daily topics to learn more about how you can make a difference!