Many people love the look and feel of a grassy front lawn. Attractive and lush, a well-maintained lawn can contribute significantly to a home’s curb appeal. Understandably, some homeowners may be concerned about the environmental impact of grass covered lawns, since watering, fertilizing, and mowing can all have negative impacts on the environment.
The good news is that there are ways to care for an environmentally friendly lawn and minimize negative environmental impacts. And, this can all be done without sacrificing the beauty of a real, grassy lawn. The below tips will help even the novice homeowner begin to care for an environmentally friendly lawn.
Watering
Minimizing water usage is one of the most important aspects of caring for an environmentally friendly lawn. One option for reusing water that may otherwise go to waste is to use barrels for collecting runoff rain water. Ensuring that a lawn is not overwatered is also important. Standing water or muddy areas may indicate that too much water is being used, particularly if sprinkler systems are left on during periods of rain. It is also a good idea to regularly check sprinkler systems to ensure sprinkler heads are not pointed towards concrete driveways or sidewalks. Routinely changing the direction of sprinkler heads also ensures even irrigation and a healthy lawn.
Fertilizing
Non-toxic fertilizers and pest-control agents are another important part of caring for an environmentally friendly lawn. These materials are favorable for many reasons, including reducing the toxins that runoff into local waterways, and reducing potentially harmful agents that may affect children or pets that like to play outdoors on the grass.
Mowing
The most environmentally friendly mowing option around is the conventional push mower, particularly for small or “postage stamp” lawns. For those with larger lawns, an electric, plug-in mower may be a feasible option. In either case, reducing exhaust and fumes from gas-powered lawn mowers is a significant contribution to environmentally friendly lawn care. Not relying on gas-powered leaf blowers to get rid of grass clippings is also a good practice. This will further reduce harmful gas emissions, as well as not contribute to noise pollution in communities and neighborhoods.