The water purifying abilities of your lawn.
You may already know that well-maintained lawns and landscapes can add up to 15 percent to a property’s value. But did you know that a dense, healthy turf is also an environmental hero? According to a recent Gallup survey, only 23 percent of Americans recognize turf’s environmental benefits. You can do your part protecting and improving the environment by maintaining your own yard properly with these basic guidelines.
Healthy Lawns Improve Water Quality.
Lawns help keep our lakes and streams clean by allowing rainwater to filter into the soil rather than running into storm sewers and washing away valuable soil. Healthy, dense lawns absorb rainfall, preventing runoff and erosion.
Furthermore, according to scientific research, turf promotes high populations of microorganisms in the thatch layer and topsoil. These microorganisms break down impurities, making turf an excellent water filter.
Studies at several nationally recognized universities have documented that well-managed turf has a greater capacity for absorbing and holding water than any other ground cover. The result? Less runoff and better water quality.
And, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Thick grass prevents soil erosion, filters contaminants from rainwater, and absorbs many types of airborne pollutants, like dust and soot. Grass is also highly efficient at converting carbon dioxide to oxygen, a process that helps clean the air.”
Encouraging and Nurturing Your Lawn’s Environmental Qualities
Practice preventive turf health care today. Here are a few pointers:
Soil — Consider having your soil sampled and analyzed. Work with a professional to amend the soil to the correct pH level and key nutrients for healthy growth.
Grass — Planting the proper grass variety adapted for your climate is vital to lawn success. Contact your lawn care professional for appropriate local information.
Mowing — Mow at the highest recommended height (usually 3 inches) and mow frequently: every five days when the lawn is growing fast, and up to 10 days when it is growing more slowly. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf surface. Keep lawn mower blades sharp and leave clippings on the lawn (grasscycling) when you mow. This allows nutrients to return to the soil. Make sure you don’t leave clippings on the pavement where they can wash off into a water source and contribute to water pollution.
Watering —Water deeply every 5 – 7 days in the early morning. In general, watering should moisten the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. This requires applying a
Fertilization and Pest Control — Apply the right amount and kind of fertilizer and pest-control products at the right time, and only when needed. Follow all label instructions and precautions. Work with a lawn care professional to create an effective program specific to your needs.
Supporting Organizations for this article: The Lawn Institute, Water Environment Federation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, The National Foundation for Integrated Pest Management Education, Project EverGreen and National Association of County Agricultural Agents. This article was partially funded by the Office of Pesticide Programs, Office of Prevention, Pesticides & Toxic Substances, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under Cooperative Agreement #CX820-822 with the National Foundation for IPM Education. (SOURCE: PLANET)
