Three simple steps to a healthy lawn
Protect kids, pets, wildlife and water quality
Many people are thinking about their lawns this time of year. Maybe you're planning a trip to the store to get lawn supplies, or making a call to a lawn care company that promises a lush, green carpet in your yard. Before you take action, consider the following.
One lawn is only a small piece of land, but when you add up all the lawns across the country, they cover an area the size of Ohio. How we manage our lawns affects the health of our children, pets, wildlife and water quality. Here are three simple steps for creating a lawn that's healthy for all.
Step 1: Avoid pesticide use.
Avoid using pesticides because they are dangerous for children, pets and other wildlife. In addition, these harmful chemicals can be tracked into the house or leach into the groundwater. Pesticides include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and weed and feed products.
Step 2: Choose zero-phosphorus fertilizer.
If you must fertilize, avoid fertilizers that contain phosphorus. Remember, it's phosphorous that accelerates algae growth in our lakes and rivers. Whether you live next to water or not, the runoff from your lawn can make its way to the groundwater or local lake or stream. Consider this--one pound of phosphorous in runoff can result in 500 pounds of algae growth. If you follow the instructions on a bag of fertilizer containing phosphorus, you may be adding over 50 pounds of phosphorus to a half-acre lot each year. The middle number on a fertilizer bag indicates the amount of phosphorus it contains.
Step 3: Consider downsizing your lawn.
Golf course-type lawns
are missing many of the benefits that more interesting lawns can provide.
By planting more trees and shrubs, wildflowers and tall grasses you provide
fun play areas for kids, as well as nesting spots and food for songbirds,
butterflies and other wildlife. In addition, a smaller lawn takes less
time to mow and provides more time for rest and relaxation.
A free publication that offers more information on the three steps to
a healthy lawn is available at http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/landcenter/Publications/HealthyLawn.pdf
Contact Lynn Markham, 715-346-3879, Lynn.Markham@uwsp.edu
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