Are lawns a significant source of hazardous nutrients and chemicals to urban streams? The answer appears to be “maybe.” Lawns are a significant feature in urban and suburban landscapes. This large area of intensively managed monocrop has the potential to contribute to urban runoff pollution due to over-fertilization, over-watering, and over-application of pesticides and herbicides.

Runoff of excess fertilizer into waterways contributes to unhealthy nutrient buildup in waterways. This can cause rapid growth of invasive aquatic weeds and algae and reduce dissolved oxygen levels, which fish and other aquatic organisms need to survive. Chemical pesticides and herbicides are known endocrine disruptors, presenting significant threats to human and environmental health when consumed in drinking water or found in the environment.

While many homeowners are concerned with water quality and human health, many also have a strong interest in a well-manicured lawn. Key to both an attractive lawn and healthy surface and groundwater is knowledge. Effective landscape management is based on basic understanding of local climate, soil properties, and selected grass species growing requirements. The management techniques for a low-input (low fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide, and water) lawn involve eight key steps summarized in the attached Background Sheet. These steps are:

Step 1 Lawn Conversion
Step 2 Soil Building
Step 3 Grass Selection
Step 4 Mowing and Thatch Management
Step 5 Minimal Fertilization
Step 6 Weed Control and Tolerance
Step 7 Integrated Pest Management
Step 8 Sensible Irrigation

Click here for more information on, Lawn Care Practices for a Healthy Watershed