It’s that time of year again, and there is one big, thirsty monster in your front yard–your lawn! Traditionally, lawns can be huge water-wasters, as well as source of harmful chemicals. Here are some tips to keep your lawn beautiful while reducing your impact on the surrounding environment:

1. Raise those blades! Keeping your mower blade at 3 to 4 inches (usually the highest setting) lets your grass better compete with weeds and sink deeper roots for better temperature tolerance. Taller lawns require less water and experience less soil erosion.
2. Grasscycle! Leave your clippings on the lawn to nourish the soil and provide natural fertilizer.
3. Sharpen Regularly! Sharp mower blades reduce stress on grass, keeping it healthier.
4. Clean up! Fertilizer, clippings and other plant waste left on hard surfaces can leach phosphorus and pollute waterways.
5. Be Moderate! Don’t apply fertilizers and other phosphorus-containing materials unless you’re sure your lawn needs it. Ask a knowledgeable professional if you’re unsure.
6. Leave Clover! Clover is actually a helpful nitrogen fixer, which creates dense turf that prevents runoff.
7. Water Smart! Water only as necessary. Deep soak the lawn to create strong roots, which means better watering, fewer times. Water during the cool part of the day to avoid evaporation—late at night or very early in the morning.

Remember–if you don’t do your own lawn care, you can still hire a professional who is dedicated to being ecologically responsible.

• http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/lawn/
• http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/May07/lawn.care.cc.html
• http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/lawn052104.cfm
• http://www.bewatersmart.net/conservationtips_yard.html

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