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Is Your Yard As Green As You Think It Is? Clean Water Campaign 40 Courtland Street, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30303 www.cleanwatercampaign.com In partnership with University of Georgia, Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Tips For Keeping Pollutants From Entering Streams Did You Know? The excessive use of fertilizers, improper disposal of leaves & yard clipping, overuse of pesticides/herbicides, and overwatering can result in the polluting of Georgia's streams, river, and lakes. For additional info: www.caes.uga.edu www.georgiaturf.com www.ent.uga.edu/pest2002 Pesticide Safety www.ces.uga.edu/pubcd/L430-w.html Integrated Pest Management www.gaipm.org Pesticide Product Information ---PAGE BREAK--- Leave grass clippings on the lawn as a natural fertilizer. Test soil for nutrient levels. Use the tests to choose a fertilizer that adds only the needed nutrients. Once vegetation is established, you can reduce the amount of nitrogen you apply. Choose a fertilizer with a slow-release form of nitrogen to reduce the potential leaching into groundwater, especially on sandy soils or to reduce loss from runoff. Do not apply fertilizer before heavy rain is forecasted. Sweep up fertilizer that is spread out on sidewalks instead of using water to wash it off. Using too much fertilizer may affect water quality in your area. Nutrients from fertilizers - usually phosphates - enter rivers & streams and stimulate the growth of algae. Excessive algae growth harms oxygen levels in lakes & ponds, thus killing fish & other aquatic life. To help avoid this problem, try these suggestions: - UGA's Cooperative Extension Service county offices offer a residential soil-testing program; residents can submit a soil sample to be tested. Tip: Use iron intead of nitrogen if you're wanting a greener lawn during the summer. Lady Beetle Assassin Bug Earwig Green Lacewing Big-eyed Bug Fly Some insects actually help keep pests under natural control without causing harm to humans. Determine what bugs are essential to your garden before applying insecticide. Some of the "good bugs" include: Toxic pesticides can adversely affect your family, neighbors, pets, and the surrounding environment. Pesticide is the generic term for insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. To reduce pests and minimize pollution, try the following method: Choose grass & plants with low nutrient & Select native plants [they are adapted to your Only water when plants & grass show signs water needs. area & will require less fertilizer & pesticide]. of stress. Keep leaves & grass out of streets, drainage Grass clippings can stay on the lawn, as they Compost plant clippings, leaves, excess grass Protect landscaping materials from wind & rain ditches, storm drains, and creeks. are a natural fertilizer. clippings, & other plant material, or bag them for curbside pickup. by storing them under tarps or in a shed. Minimize water pollution while keeping a healthy and attractive lawn with these suggestions: Basic Principles of Yard Care Disposal & Storage of Yard Clippings Plant & Lawn Care Lawn Specific Tips Set blade higher on lawn mower. This reduces Use electric powered lawn equipment instead Try not to seed a lawn on a steep slope or in an stress to the grass & helps develop a drought & pest resistant root system. of gas-powered whenever possible. area that does not drain well. Sod across the slope to protect the soil from erosion & runoff. Composting An alternative to discarding or burning yard waste is composting. Try composting clipped leaves, pine needles, yard trimmings, grass clippings, and other vegetation in your yard. Also use your own pine straw & other clippings for mulch. Try sharing your extra pine needles with a neighbor. Schools & civic groups will sell pine straw as a fundraising effort. Consider donating your remaining pine needles to those organizations. Fertilizer If you're looking for ways to keep your yard green without polluting a stream, consider earth-friendly fertilizer options. Pest Management Read labels and use as directed. Store pesticides in covered containers. Use prescription flea drops for pets instead of treating a lawn. Have weeds, diseases, or insects properly identified before applying a pesticide. Remember to follow the label and use as directed. Spot treat only affected areas instead of widespread application [widespread application can kill beneficial insects]. Control pests & disease by rinsing plants, pruning and hand-picking, setting baits/traps. Try non-toxic or the least toxic methods & products first, such as traps or horticultural oils & insecticide soaps. Good Bugs Tip: To control the appearance of your lawn, use alternative methods to pest management as well fertilizer application. Limit the amount of pesticides applied to an area.