A carpet of green grass is a satisfying feat, but can require the use of fertilizers, watering and pesticides.

How you take care of your lawn is important for clean waters. When fertilizer is spilled or washed into the street and down storm drains, it can harm our lakes, wetlands and streams. The same is true for lawn clippings, fallen leaves and pesticides. When these materials wash into our waterways, they bring with them excess nutrients and pollutants that can cause algae or other damage.

How can you take care of your lawn and protect our waters? 

• Properly dispose of all chemicals (and oil).  Don't dump it down the storm drain.
• Use grass clippings and mulched leaves as a "natural" fertilizer for your lawn.
• Sweep up spilled fertilizer, pesticides, grass clippings, and leaves.
• Fertilize in the fall (or not at all).
• Reduce (or eliminate) pesticide use.  
• Reuse or recycle leaves.
• Recycle rainwater (such as a rainbarrel). 
• Use water wisely. 
• Keep your lawn between 2-3 inches in height.
• Seed or sod your lawn in the spring or fall.
• Clean up pet waste.
• Wash your car in the lawn.  

For More Information: 

• View MCWD's Spring Lawn Care Tips (PDF)  
• View MCWD's Summer Lawn Care Tips (PDF)
• View MCWD's Fall Lawn Care Tips (PDF)
• View MCWD's Home Lawn Care Guide (Maintenance Schedule)
• UMN Extension Soil Lab Line: A resource for learning what type of fertilizer your yard needs. Call 612-625-3101 or visit the Soil Lab online.
• UMN Extension Lawn & Turfgrass Management website