10 Tips for a Watershed-Wise LawnNewton Tab By Ariel Dekovic/ Wednesday, June 1, 2005 Lawn care can either be a satisfying task with a sweet reward or a daily chore. With many Massachusetts towns facing watering restrictions, residents are looking for ways to reduce water needs and still be able to enjoy a beautiful landscape. Even in water-rich Massachusetts, "we're beginning to become concerned with summer water use, when demand increases and supply decreases," said Nigel Pickering, senior engineer at the Charles River Watershed Association. "While we are investigating municipal solutions to the water supply problem, we also are looking to watershed residents to design and manage landscapes to lessen some of these needs." The following is a list of 10 tips for making a watershed-wise healthy lawn: 1. Reduce lawn size - For steep slopes, shady areas and locations close to streams and ponds, grass is difficult to maintain. Native vegetation can make a better, more interesting choice that will cause you less headache. For flat areas, consider herbaceous plants or plants and flowers that attract butterflies or birds. 2. Choose your grass varieties wisely - Determine which areas of your property retain water and which dry out. Choose your plants based on these conditions. For lawns, select a grass variety that is appropriate for the New England climate such as tall fescue, which is drought-, pest- and disease-resistant. 3. Water less - By watering your lawn too often and too much, you encourage the lawn to act "lazily." The roots of the blades will not grown as deeply into the earth if it isn't forced to seek out its moisture. 4. Water before breakfast or after dinner - During the hot months of summer, watering during the day increases the amount of water your lawn uses because water is lost through evaporation. Your lawn can be damaged by moisture remaining on the blades during the hottest hours of the day. Watering in the early morning is best. 5. Keep your lawn at least 3 inches tall - Taller grass allows a longer root system to form, which means that the lawn will require less water to stay healthy. Keep the grass blades at least 3 inches tall, if not longer. Mow frequently and just cut a third of the grass blade. 6. Use your grass clippings as fertilizer - Lawn clippings contain high amounts of nitrogen, an important ingredient in fertilizers. Leaving your grass clippings on the lawn will save you time and money. Clippings tend to decompose in a week. 7. Use biological controls to attack pests - Integrated Pest Management presents the best method of controlling insects. This method uses a variety of biological and mechanical techniques for removing pests, and employs chemical controls only when no other recourse works. Grubs are the most common pest problem for lawns in Massachusetts, and two beneficial parasites (called nematodes) can be used to control a grub problem. 8. Collect rainwater to use to water your lawn - Reduce your impact on the water supply by collecting your rainwater to water your lawn. Rain barrels and cistern systems are available in a variety of price ranges. 9. Keep soils from compacting - Making sure that your soils are aerated will improve lawn rooting and the efficiency of watering. Rent an aerator from your local lawn care store to improve the water efficiency and health of your lawn. 10. Love a little brown - During months of drought, a healthy lawn can survive by going dormant. The grass will turn yellow or brown, but will become green again when the rains return. Ariel Dekovic is outreach director of the Charles River Watershed Association. Compiled from materials from the Ipswich River Watershed Association, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Massachusetts Water Resource Commission. |