| | There are many ways you can help stop pollution from entering our waterways through the local storm sewers: - Becoming more aware of what may be causing storm water pollution in your area, through
City newsletters, City and local websites and getting involved in the community. - Reporting to your municipal officials:
- Any dumping of inappropriate materials (i.e. oil or antifreeze) into storm water drains
- Construction sites that do not have erosion or sediment controls
- Suspicious looking materials or discoloration from storm sewers or in local streams, lakes or rivers.
- Using good housekeeping practices with lawn care chemicals, oil, gasoline, pet wastes, etc.
- Helping to start or participating in programs to recycle and safely dispose of used oil and
household hazardous wastes and containers. - Telling others about pollution from storm water runoff and what they can do to help.
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“Grass Roots Approach” to a Healthy Lawn Roots take up nutrients and water from the soil and carry these materials to the grass blades where the “food” for the plant is made. Roots store carbohydrates which “fuel” the growth of the grass plant throughout the year. Follow these steps to promote healthy root development:
1. Mow Regularly – Mulch Your Grass Clippings
Mulch your grass clippings for a green, earth-friendly lawn. Cut high, leaving 3 inches on the grass blade. Tall grass promotes root growth and shades out weeds. Let the short clippings fall back into the lawn. Clippings are a source of nitrogen, so fertilizer can be reduced by 25% or more. 2. Check the Organic Matter in Your Soil
The organic matter component of the soil should be 5% or greater, providing a natural reservoir of nutrients and water to support healthy root development. To build organic
matter, rake compost or mow dry leaves into the lawn.
 3. Water the Lawn to Minimize Stress
A green lawn in Michigan needs .5 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
Light, frequent watering which reaches the roots of the grass is
recommended by MSU researchers. 4. Select Earth-Friendly Fertilizers
Earth-friendly fertilizers are products which meet specific criteria.
• 50% or more of the nitrogen in slow-release form
• Low or no phosphorus
• Pesticide free (no weed-and-feed) |
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