Do a Little... Save a Lot!
Practice "Green" Lawn Care
Mow your lawn early or late in the day, if possible.
Keep in mind the following energy and emission saving tips as you care for your lawn.
- Replace gas-powered equipment such as mowers and leaf blowers with electric, rechargeable, or manual equipment.
- If you are using gas-powered equipment, fill and use it in the evening hours, and buy a spill-proof, low-emitting gas can.
- Keep mower blades sharp and undersides clean - Your lawn will look better and your mower will be more efficient.
- Use lawn clippings as mulch for your garden. It will help you save on clipping disposal and buying mulch.
- Don't burn leaves or trash. Compost or recycle instead.
- If you must water your lawn, do it in the evening or early morning. Mid-day the water will evaporate faster, preventing grass roots from soaking up the water necessary for growth. To stay green, established lawns need about one inch of water per week in total, split over two or three applications. You may want to purchase or make a water gauge to measure the amount of water (including rain) that falls on your lawn each week to help you avoid wasting water.
- Set up barrels to collect rainwater for the lawn or garden. Using rain barrels will not only reduce the amount of water, energy, and cash (for water pumping and/or treatment) that you spend on your lawn, it will also decrease the amount of stormwater runoff polluting our streams and lakes.
- Mow less. Ask your local nursery for slow-growing, drought resistant grass and seed mixtures.
- Try native landscaping [exit DNR] to minimize lawn mowing, watering, and fertilizing.
- Contact Wisconsin native plant suppliers or consultants for help.
It all adds up...
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