Grass clippings contain phosphorus, the nutrient that turns lakes green with algae. One bushel of fresh grass clippings can contain 0.1 lbs of phosphorus - enough to produce 30 - 50 pounds of algae growth if it finds its way to a lake or river!
Here are some simple steps you can take to carefully handle your grass clippings and help keep our water clean:
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn
- Direct grass clippings away from streets, driveways, sidewalks and other paved areas
- Sweep up grass clippings and return them to the lawn
- Set the lawn mower at a higher setting (over 2.5 inches), letting shorter blades fall back onto the lawn as natural fertilizer
- Sharpen mower blades every 1-3 years
- Mow when your lawn needs it, not on a fixed schedule
- Mix grass clippings with leaves and soil to make a backyard compost pile
Spring Grass Clippings Press Release
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