Landscaping

Landscaping activities can be major contributors to stormwater pollution.  Soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and yard clippings get washed into the stormwater system and make their way to our rivers.  Even mowing and removing trees and vegetation can be harmful if done in riverbank areas.  

One of the best ways to prevent pollution from your lawn is to consider natural landscaping, sometimes called ecoscapes, naturescaping or greenscapes (and save time and money!). 

Natural Landscaping 

• Natural landscaping is landscaping that allows people and nature to coexist by maintaining tree canopies and incorporating native plants into landscaping. Tree canopies slow rainfall and reduce erosion while their roots enhance water quality and also reduce erosion (plus they improve air quality!). 
  
• Native plants resist pests, insects and are drought tolerant because they are adapted to our area. By incorporating native plants into your yard, you can attract helpful insects and birds, use less insecticide, fertilizer, and watering, therefore reducing the amount of runoff and amount of pollutants that enters our rivers. 
  
• Natural landscapes are also easier to maintain than traditional landscaping.  Getting exotic flowers, trees, and grasses to grow where they are not supposed to takes a lot of water, energy, and chemicals.

• Plan landscaping activities when rain isn’t in the forecast and clean up all disturbed soil before it rains.
• Do not blow, sweep, or hose soil, leaves, or yard clippings into the street, gutter, or storm drains. Gather clippings and compost or have them picked up by the City’s Streets Department. The Streets Department only picks up yard waste in biodegradable bags in the spring.
• Grass clippings, leaves, and other yard waste should be reused as mulch or put in a compost pile.
  
• Always apply fertilizers and pesticides per the manufacturer’s directions and do not apply these products during or before rain events.
• Pesticides & Chemicals should be a last resort for pesticide management. If your home has a pest problem consider physical or biological controls first, such as insecticidal soaps, pheromone traps, bug zappers, and introduction of insect eating animals like ladybugs.