By Christin Ritz on behalf of the Fairhaven Sustainability Committee
What’s the best thing you can do for an eco-friendly lawn? The answer might surprise you. Do nothing!
Resist Spring Fever
Don’t clean up the yard too soon! The first pollinators appear in April, most wait for warmer May temperatures. Last year’s leaf litter provides habitat and protection from late season frosts. Butterfly chrysalides cling to dried stems and twigs. If overnight temps aren’t consistently over 50 degrees, wait on garden clean up!
No Mow May + Slow Mow Spring
40 million acres of land in the United States is lawns! In early spring, floral resources are scarce for newly hatched bees in the suburbs. By not mowing in May, clover and dandelion provide essential food for pollinators. For the rest of spring, reduce mowing to once every 2-3 weeks. Researchers in MA found 93 species of bees on lawns following this practice.
Leave Leaves Alone
Save money and time! Raking, blowing, piling, bagging, and hauling away leaves take time (and taxpayer dollars on municipal property). In fall use leaves as free mulch around trees and shrubs. They suppress weeds, support biodiversity, encourage mycorrhizae, and nourish soil. By mulch mowing leaves with a lawn mower in the fall, nutrients are added to the soil and reduce the need for fertilizer.
Never Use Pesticides or Mosquito Spray
Because they kill all the good guys too… butterflies, ladybugs, bees, invertebrates…
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