BAG ’EM!
MULCH ’EM!
It's easy to have a beautiful yard while helping the earth. The key is to protect storm drains from grass clippings and leaves. When drains clog, streets and neighborhoods can flood after heavy rains. And as yard debris moves downstream and decomposes, algae and other aquatic plants overgrow. That depletes oxygen, harming fish and sometimes human health. So do your part — take the pledge to mulch grass and bag leaves.
Pledge to Take One of These Steps Today to Better Your Grass Clippings.
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Mulch ’Em! Grass clippings are mostly water and nitrogen, and decompose quickly. Leave them on the lawn for greener, healthier grass. If clippings are already bagged or too long to leave on the lawn, use them as mulch for flower beds, vegetable gardens or along fence lines to prevent weed growth. Mulch has numerous benefits to the soil: It helps retain moisture, protects against temperature fluctuation and improves soil health by adding nutrients.
1.
Compost ’Em! Leaves are rich in minerals and nutrients, so add them to compost. Grinding large leaves with a lawnmower beforehand will ensure that they break down and release nutrients faster. Leaves add carbon and fibrous material to a compost pile, so it’s best to balance their contribution with a nitrogen source. Allow ground leaves to dry and decompose in place. They won’t smother grass; in fact, they will add nutrients and help retain soil moisture.
2.
Bag or Blow ’Em! Mow so that clippings are directed toward the center of the lawn and blow any remaining debris on driveways or sidewalks back onto the grass. Also, collect fallen tree leaves and store them in paper bags to be collected on yard waste pickup day. It’s better to keep yard debris out of landfills, because it generates methane and acidic leachate as it decomposes — plus it takes up space. Proper disposal also helps protect the quality of local lakes and streams by reducing soil erosion and stormwater runoff.
3.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ok, so yard debris may not make giant mutant swamp bugs, but it can create flooding hazards and negatively impact the environment. So don’t blow it! Bag, compost or mulch your grass clippings and leaf litter.
ABOUT TAPP
The TAPP (Think About Personal Pollution) Campaign helps educate individuals on ways that small personal changes in home and yard practices can help keep local lakes, sinks and streams cleaner. The campaign is here to help you understand your impact on water quality and to encourage you to take action by adopting some slightly different approaches to things you do every day.
TAPP offers educational materials and seminars that provide information on this program to local neighborhood and civic groups. To schedule a seminar, or request information, call (850) 891-6819.
Think About Personal Pollution!
