A Greener Lawn - in both senses of the Word

How to maintain a more environmentally-friendly and lower-cost lawn:

1)   Leave grass clippings on the lawn rather than bagging them (use the mower’s mulching or side discharge option)

Why: Grass clippings are about 75% water so they are very heavy which causes the truck that you might pay to take them away to burn more fuel. They are also high in nitrogen and other nutrients, so leaving them on the grass reduces the need for both water and fertilizer.

2)     Keep the grass higher

Why: This enables the lawn to absorb the clippings, and higher grass shades itself so it requires less water.

Most homeowners find that by keeping the grass higher and leaving the clippings on the lawn, they can reduce both watering and fertilization by as much as 50%! As a result, for sunny areas, 1" of water per week should be enough to sustain the lawn, whether that water comes from rain and/or irrigation.

3) Use non-gas powered equipment

Why: Small engines have no emission controls and emit a huge amount of pollution per gallon; for example running the average gas lawnmower for one hour is the emissions equivalent to driving the average car 100 miles! Fortunately, the selection and quality of cordless electric yard equipment, including lawn mowers, is better than ever. Electric tools also require much less maintenance than their gas counterparts, and are quieter.

4) Pull weeds rather than treating them with chemicals

Why: All herbicides are toxic to humans and animals, and traces of them find their way into the water and food supplies. It is also more difficult to re-seed areas that have been treated with chemicals. Patches of clover should be left alone, as they are high in nitrogen which feeds surrounding grasses, and are part of a healthy lawn.

5) Do not use the sprinklers when it is sunny or windy (early morning is the best time), and use them only if it has not rained for at least three days. It is wasteful and selfish to 'set and forget' a sprinkler timer.