HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2011-07-01 eco-friendly lawn care
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
Leesburg Urges Residents To Consider
Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Practices
Simple changes can make a big difference in water quality in area streams
Leesburg, VA (July 1, 2011) – Now that summer is in full swing, many people are busy doing
yard work to build or keep a green lawn. However, some methods of attaining the ideal lawn
can actually be harmful to the environment. According to EPA, when excessive amounts of lawn
fertilizers and pesticides are applied to lawns and gardens, they can wash off, enter the storm
drainage system and pollute waterways downstream.
In addition, grass clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains, clogging them, and leading to
flooding. Grass clippings and leaves also contribute excess nutrients and organic matter to
streams. These nutrients cause excessive algae growth, which blocks sunlight and depletes
oxygen, killing fish and other aquatic life.
Most people are unaware of environmental consequences of their lawn care practices – but
they do make a difference! Below are some ways residents can be more eco-friendly and help
reduce stormwater pollution:
• Adoption of environmentally–friendly lawn care and conservation practices such as
using organic products or natural fertilizers as opposed to chemical-based ones,
composting, selecting native plants and grasses, and testing to determine the actual
needs of the soil can significantly reduce downstream water pollution.
• Fertilize in the fall instead of the spring will help lawns recover from the harsh heat of
the summer while building strong roots over the winter for the next spring.
• Proper application of fertilizer and use of the correct amount of fertilizer based on soil
testing. The Loudoun County Extension Office offers free assistance with soil testing and
organic/natural lawn care methods for this area. The Extension Office can be reached at
703-777-0373.
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TOL PR 2011-07-01 eco-friendly lawn care
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• Don’t overwater. Consider using soaker hose instead of a sprinkler. Also, avoid letting
water runoff down sidewalks and driveways into storm sewers. Runoff carries dirt,
debris and any chemicals on the ground into the storm sewer system and eventually
downstream.
• Use organic mulch when available or feasible. Other mulches may be chemically treated
and as they break down or get washed away, those chemicals can have an impact on
water quality downstream.
• Compost or mulch yard waste. Consider the “mow it high and let it lie” method. Using a
mulching mower and keeping grass heights taller means less water is required – and the
grass clippings act as their own fertilizer, returning nutrients to the lawn, meaning less
water and fertilizer are needed!
• Don’t leave yard waste in the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams. Storm
drains and the sewer system are designed for moving water, not yard waste or trash!
Leaves and grass clippings don’t immediately break down, thereby clogging the drains
and outlets, which can lead to flooding. In addition, downstream outfalls cannot handle
the extra nutrients that come from the grass clippings and leaves.
• Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects. If you have more
material delivered than you can distribute in one day, plan on having a tarp to cover the
pile with. Otherwise, showers and storms can wash the material into the sewer system,
negatively impacting waterways downstream and washing away your investment!
For more information on educational outreach programs, including volunteer opportunities,
contact the Town of Leesburg Department of Public Works at 703-771-2790, via e-mail at
publicworks@leesburgva.gov, or visit www.leesburgva.gov/index.aspx?page=170.
Contact:
Charlie Mumaw, P.E.
Deputy Director of Public Works
cmumaw@leesburgva.gov
703-771-2743
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