Bay Friendly Lawn & Yard Care

Bay-friendly lawn care is a blooming industry. Many professional lawn care services use safer techniques and products. Do-it-yourselfers can use the list of resources below to stay up to date on the latest lawn care advice.

 

Test your soil

A basic soil test will tell you the major, secondary, and minor plant nutrients, pH, and soil organic matter. Adjusting nutrient levels based on soil test results will result in a better soil environment for growing lawns. Note that soil tests do not typically provide information on nitrogen in your soil, since the concentration of nitrogen can change rapidly from day to day. Therefore, every soil test will recommend the addition of nitrogen fertilizer.

 

mow higher

Set your mower to 3 1/2” to reduce weeds by 50 to 80%. Mow the lawn using a mulching blade. Leave clippings on your lawn for natural fertilizer.

 

Select a tolerant seed

Not all grass seed is alike. Special varieties are shown to grow well in this area. Learn more from The University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center

 

Water Responsibly

There is usually no need to water from July 4th to Labor Day. Most cool-season grasses that brown in the summer will become green again in the fall. If you do water your lawn, water only once a week when less than 1 inch of rain has fallen. When watering is necessary, water slowly and deeply in the morning only. Watering in the evening can increase the opportunity for fungal disease on your lawn.

 
5.png

TRY NON-TOXIC ALTERNATIVES

Use environmentally-friendly practices to control weeds and insects through prevention, physical removal, or the use of less toxic substances.

 

LEAVE YOUR LEAVES

Mowing fall leaves into the grass is good for your lawn. The shredded leaves will decompose over the winter, adding nutrients back into your lawn. Keep leaves off hard surfaces and out of storm drains. If you must remove leaves, be sure to dispose of them properly, and never dump them in the woods or in ravines! Learn more.

6.png
 

CONSIDER A NATIVE GROUND COVER

Consider alternatives to traditional grass if your yard is shady or sandy, or if you have a steep hill and have trouble mowing the grass. Replace those lawn areas with a conservation landscape of native trees or shrubs. If you like the look of grass, consider low-growing native alternatives like Carex pennsylvanica for shady, dry areas or Bouteloua dactyloides (Buffalograss) for full sun.

 
8.png

THINK BEFORE YOU FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN

Many of us apply fertilizer in the spring as a matter of habit. You may not need fertilizer and, if applied incorrectly, fertilizer can harm your lawn. The University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center offers easy-to-follow tips and instructions.

Do not fertilize:

  • If heavy rain is predicted or the ground is frozen

  • Hard surfaces such as sidewalks or driveways

  • Within 10 to 15 feet of waterways

  • Between November 16 and March 1

 
9.png

AVOID LEAVING OBJECTS OUTSIDE THAT COLLECT WATER

Mosquitoes can breed in only a teaspoon of water and can go from egg to adult in only 4 days! The best control for mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water around your yard, but there are also many non-toxic alternatives. Learn more.

 
10.png

AVOID PESTICIDES

Think twice before spraying! Pesticides also kill beneficial insects. In many cases, a healthy lawn is your best defense against pests. There are many natural methods to control insect pests:

  • Choose plants with natural repellents that harmful insects avoid; choose plants to attract insects that will eat pests, such as ladybugs.

  • Choose plants that are seed producers to bring insect-eating wildlife to your yard.

  • Prune the pests away. Remove the parts of plants with heavy infestations and dispose of the debris.