» Fight Climate Change with Non-fertilized Lawns
Fight Climate Change with non-fertilized lawns
-Say no to quick-release nitrogen fertilizers
-Without fertilizer, grass roots go deeper, more foliage, no need for herbicides and pesticides
-Optional, apply no more than ½ pound per 1000 feet of slow-release fertilizer in spring or fall
-Refuse the use of RoundUp
-Capture more carbon with grass than does a forest
(Forests store more carbon which can be released during a fire. Grass stores carbon in roots and in the animals that graze the grass. Grass fed beef sequesters carbon from the atmosphere.)
Ten ways you should modify your lawn care to help the environment
1. Before you spread pounds of quick-release fertilizer, consider letting your lawn combat climate change by switching from quick-release to a modest amount of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer.
2. Stop spreading fertilizer so frequently; with
slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, you may only need to apply 1/2 pound in the spring or fall, or none at all.
3. Let your grass grow a bit taller. At a recommended 3 inches, lawns grow deeper roots and are able to form stronger underground systems for water and carbon uptake.
4. Don’t trash grass, spread your grass clippings on your lawn for a free and effective fertilizer boost (about 1 lb fertilizer per 1,000 ft sq of lawn)
5. Fertilize only in the spring or fall, not in the summer when algae bloom on nutrients.
6. Always opt for grass or gardens over impervious surfaces for maximum carbon capture.
7. Replace your patio with a lawn to sponge up excess storm water when extreme weather hits.
8. Allow green lawns to coexist with clean waters by only using slow-release fertilizer when you absolutely need to.
9. Think about where most of your fertilizer is going. Being conscious of your lawn runoff could prevent harmful algal blooms.
10. Remember this: it’s not lawns that pollute, it’s quick-release fertilizer that is weakening your lawn and causing pollution. Work smarter, not harder by replacing 5 pounds of quick-release with 1/2 pound 100% slow-release for a green lawn and for clean water – no harmful algal blooms.
Where We're Working On This
Fight Climate Change with Non-fertilized Lawns. See where we're actively working on this.
How You Can Help
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saving wildlife, protecting ecosystems, in environmental education, science, and conservation.