Land and Yard Management
Definition When choosing to keep areas of your property as lawn, following good maintenance practices will help protect water resources and create healthy habitats. Primary considerations in lawn care, with regard to protecting water quality, include maintaining appropriate coverage density and height, soil testing, proper fertilizer applications, and general good housekeeping after maintenance activities.
It is important to first choose a species of grass well-adapted to regional growing conditions and use. It is also important to maintain the lawn to promote full coverage. Preventing and eliminating bare spots will help to reduce the potential for erosion and increase the lawn’s infiltration capacity.
The decision to apply fertilizer and how much to apply should be based on soil tests. Fertilizer applications should follow the product’s label to ensure the correct amount of nutrients is applied. Timing of application should align with the lawn’s active growth season, not before heavy rains are expected, and should not occur within 10- 15 feet of waterways. Keeping written records of fertilizer applications can help to ensure good fertilizing practices are followed.
Finally, sweeping grass clippings and fertilizer off impervious surfaces and back onto the lawn will help to prevent nutrients from washing away. Whether you hire a contractor or do your own lawn care, good management will help protect water resources from excess fertilizer runoff and sediment loading.
Turfgrass & Fertilizer Resources, Maryland Department of Agriculture: https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/fertilizer.aspx