LAWN CARE
• Apply recommended amount of fertilizers only when necessary.
• Don’t apply fertilizer before windy or rainy days.
• Apply fertilizer as close as possible to the time of year when it is most important for grass growth, which is usually spring and fall in cool climate and early and late summer in warm climates.
• Avoid applying fertilizer close to waterways.
• Do not overwater lawns and garden; use a soaker (porous) hose that releases water directly to the ground, rather than carrying away fertilizers.
• Fill fertilizer spreaders on hard surfaces for easy spill clean up.
• Correctly store unused fertilizers and properly dispose of empty containers.
• Maintain your lawn mowers, snow blowers, and similar outdoor power equipment to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.

GARDEN CARE
• Plant a rain garden of native plants, that reduce the amount fertilizer needed and provide a way for water to soak in.
• Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater; the rainwater can later be used to wash your car or water your plants and lawn.
• Adopt techniques that utilize natural processes to manage stormwater runoff and reduce the impact of impervious surfaces on water quality.
• Use pervious pavers for walkways and low traffic areas to allow water to soak into the ground.
• Incorporate best management practices, such as grassed swales, filter strips, or buffer strips on your property to control and temporarily store stormwater runoff.
• Mulch or compost grass clippings, leaves, and other yard waste for your garden. It can also be used for community composting or place in barrels or secured paper bags for disposal.