Homeowner’s Tips to Stormwater Management: Lawn & Garden Care

Stormwater Management: Lawn & Garden Care

It is not uncommon for homeowners to use fertilizers and/or pesticides in order to care for their lawns and gardens. It can be easy to forget that when you are using these chemicals, you are not just spraying the lawn. When it rains, the fertilizers and pesticides from your yard and plants are washed into the street and storm drains. These drains lead to streams, lakes, and ponds. The chemicals can impact the wildlife and even contaminate drinking water sources. The main drinking water source in the Raleigh, NC area is Falls Lake.

A few steps you can take to reduce pollutants due to lawn and garden care:

-Use the least amount of fertilizer or pesticide needed to be effective. Read the labels and test your soil to be sure. Often times, much more is used than necessary.

-Try not to fertilize right before a storm.

-Make an effort to not get fertilizer on sidewalks or roads.

-Consider using compost and/or organic fertilizer for alternate, longer lasting, and less harmful nutrient sources.