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To learn more about creating a beautiful, eco- friendly yard, go to www.greenscapes.org “ I will care for my lawn by: Watering only at dawn Watering only when my lawn is thirsty Mowing with a sharp mower blade Leaving grass clippings on my lawn Keeping my grass at least 3” tall Using only compost on my lawn and garden” THE GREENSCAPER PLEDGE Watering our lawns can consume vast amounts of water. Pesticides, herbisicdes and fertilizers from our lawns can migrate great distances, polluting our water supply, rivers and oceans. There is a better way! Be a Greenscaper. Take the pledge. You’ll save time, money and our environment. Sign the pledge at www.greenscapes.org ---PAGE BREAK--- TAKE THE GREENSCAPES PLEDGE What is the Greenscapes pledge? It is a list of ways to care for your yard that will save you time, money and water. Water only at dawn - At dawn plants can absorb the water they need, whereas watering in the heat of the day can actually burn your plants. Night watering encourages mildew and bacteria to grow. Water only when your lawn is thirsty - Frequent, light watering discourages root growth. Watering to a depth of 6 inches no more than once a week will give your grass the stamina to withstand hot summer days by encouraging long root growth to reach water that is stored deeper in the ground. Mow with a sharp mower blade - Dull blades tear the grass, allowing mildew and bacteria to enter. Experts recommend mower blades should be sharpened every 10 hours of mowing time for a healthy, clean trim. Leave grass clippings on the lawn – They will decompose quickly, leaving the equivalent of an expense free nitrogen fertilizer behind. Keep your grass at least 3” tall – Tall grass shades out weeds. A study showed that grass cut at a 3” height had 7% weeds, whereas 1” grass had 55% weeds. Less mowing = less weeding = less work. A good gauge of 3” is a credit card, held or see our guide below. Use only compost on your lawn and garden – Compost builds healthy soil by encouraging the growth of important microbes, which feed the plants. lawn products can kill these microbes, requiring your lawn to need more and more chemicals each year. In addition, it is estimated that 80% of the products don’t stay put – they wash into our rivers, lakes and oceans. Optimum Grass Height 1” 2” 3” Visit www.greenscapes.org to find your complete source for a beautiful yard that protects our water. Find newsletters and gardening tips!