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Picture a healthy green lawn: perfect for lounging, great for ball games and cookouts, a real asset to your home. But did you know that your lawn - and how you take care of it - can also help the environment? Fertilizers and pesticides carried by stormwater runoff are a significant source of pollution affecting the health of our rivers, lakes, and streams. By setting realistic goals for your lawn, whether you or a professional lawn care service will be doing the work, you can ensure you are protecting local streams while maintaining a lawn that meets your needs. Before you apply any chemical to your lawn, follow the four Rs of nutrient management: the right source, right rate, right time, and right place.
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Make sure you have the right chemical for the job and only apply those that target a specific issue rather than broad spectrum applications. You should always confirm that you are applying the correct amount to address your problem and then only apply chemicals to your lawn during prime growing seasons and never immediately before a major rain event. Lastly, only apply the chemical to the areas that need it. By considering these four steps, you can ensure you are keeping your waterways clean while meeting the needs of your landscape. If you have questions regarding the needs of your lawn, you can have your soil tested through a local county agency.
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Resources
For more information, check out the resources below or visit your local Soil & Water Conservation District or Extension Office.
Lawn and Garden Pollution Prevention - Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District
Lawn Care Brochure - Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District
Spring Stormwater Series: Leaves & Lawn Clippings - Hamilton County Conservation District
Water Quality and Nutrient Management at Home - University of Kentucky
Improving Yard and Garden Care - University of Kentucky
Keep Your Yard Green and Our Waterways Clean - Sanitation District No. 1
Soil Testing
Lawn Care Brochure - Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District
Spring Stormwater Series: Leaves & Lawn Clippings - Hamilton County Conservation District
Water Quality and Nutrient Management at Home - University of Kentucky
Improving Yard and Garden Care - University of Kentucky
Keep Your Yard Green and Our Waterways Clean - Sanitation District No. 1
Soil Testing
- Butler Soil and Water Conservation District
- Boone County Extension Soil Testing
- Campbell County Cooperative Extension Soil Testing
- Clermont Soil and Water Conservation District
- Hamilton County Conservation District
- Kenton County Cooperative Extension Soil Testing
- Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District
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