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LAWN FACTS:
- Lawn or turf grass is the largest crop in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, covering more acreage than corn, soybeans, wheat, and other row crops.
- More than 3.8 million acres of land in the watershed are lawn (9.5% of the 64,000 square mile watershed)
- An estimated 215 million pounds of nitrogen fertilizer is applied to those lawns each year.
- An estimated 19 million pounds of pesticide are applied to lawns in the watershed each year.
- The water applied to lawns in summer is roughly equal to the flow of the Potomac River (7,875 cubic feet per second).
- Lawn and garden equipment are the second leading source of smog-causing air pollutants (after cars and trucks).
LAWN & GARDEN CARE:
Fertilizer Application:
- Have your soil tested and apply fertilizer only if you need to.
- Read and follow the recommendations on the label. Applying more is NOT better. The fertilizer that isn't used up quickly by growing grass will be washed off your lawn with the rain and head to nearby streams.
- Fertilize in Fall NOT Spring. Applying fertilizer in Spring gets grass growing but it will also require more water and it will need to be cut more often.
- Look for fertilizer that contains water insoluble nitrogen, abbreviated “WIN” which will release slowly over time.
- Do NOT apply fertilizer that contains Phosphorous. This chemical is not needed in an established lawn and is a key pollutant in waterways and the Bay. Many states now ban Phosphorous as an ingredient in lawn fertilizer.
Watering, Rain, & Runoff
- Don't water your lawn. Most turf grass will go dormant when stressed for water. It will revive when rain returns.
- If you MUST water, water in the morning
- Adjust sprinklers to make sure that water is falling only on planting areas and not running off on streets, driveways, or other hard surfaces.
Mowing Recommendations
- Set your mower blades higher (3 inches is ideal for most grass types)
- Cut only 1/3 of the length off at a time.
This reduces stress on grass so it requires less water, and it actually helps reduce weeds by shading them out.
- Use a mulching mower. This type of mower chops grass clioppings into tiny shreds that all back onto your lawn. Over time these clippings will improve your soil. Your lawn will require less water and less fertilizer.
Other Recommendations:
- Convert some lawn area into planting beds planted with native plants. Native plants require little or no fertilizer and are also better able to cope with your areas weather extremes.
- Reduce the use of chemical perticides. Control garden pests with bird and bat houses.
- Contact your local Cooperative Extension - Master Gardener Program and have your property certified "Bay Wise"
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