Have a Great Lawn That's Good to the Earth

by | Aug 2, 2010 | 17, 18, Articles

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Have a Great Lawn That’s Good to the Earth</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – Caring for the environment means caring for a full, green lawn. Properly maintaining your lawn will produce strong grass and can help protect and conserve water resources at the same time.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Regular care and lawn maintenance is especially important if you live near large bodies of fresh water like the Great Lakes. Containing more than 90 percent of the fresh surface water in the United States, the Great Lakes provide more than 40 million Americans and Canadians with drinking water. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/18a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/18a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">To enjoy a great lawn and protect fresh water resources for generations to come, follow these lawn care tips from the experts at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and the Alliance for the Great Lakes: </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Strong, dense lawns can help reduce run off and erosion, and filter rainwater to recharge groundwater supplies. The foundation of a good lawn is rich soil, so use a mulching mower to return grass clippings to the soil where the clippings break down and recycle nutrients back into the grass. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Generally, only new lawns require additional phosphorus for root growth. For mature lawns, choose a fertilizer that is low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free, unless a soil test shows a need for more.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* The best time to fertilize is in the spring and fall. Never fertilize when the ground is frozen.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Use a drop spreader or rotary spreader with a side guard to keep fertilizer on the lawn. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Sweep any grass clippings and fertilizer that land on driveways and sidewalks back on to the lawn to help keep nutrients out of waterways.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Set your mower to its highest setting to build strong, deep grass roots that can find water and nutrients. Longer grass can also better withstand periods of heat and drought.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* If your lawn is dry, the best time to water it is in the morning. Water easily evaporates in the afternoon and watering at night can cause fungus and disease. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* When lawn problems arise, select the right product for the task. For small problems, use a spot treatment. For numerous problems throughout the yard, use a broadcast application.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Use native plants in your landscape and garden. These plants are adapted to your area and better able to tolerate adverse conditions and resist disease. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/18b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/18b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Avoid application when rain is in the forecast, as heavy rainfall can overwhelm soils and cause fertilizers to be washed into waterways. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Storm sewers often lead directly into streams and lakes. Never dispose of clippings or pet waste in or around sewers or water resources, such as rivers, lakes and streams. Make it a habit to sweep up any fertilizer, grass clippings and leaves.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For more information and water-safe lawn care tips, visit <a href="http://www.LawnsandLakes.com" target="_blank">www.LawnsandLakes.com</a>.</p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>