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Follow
these recommendations if you hire a lawn care company.
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Do not over-use or over-dose lawn
chemicals.
If
you feel you must use a weed or insect control product,
follow the label directions very carefully. Applying more
than the label allows is risky for you, your family and our
environment and also happens to be a violation of Federal
law.
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If insecticides (bug killers) and herbicides (weed
killers) are necessary, spot treat problem areas. DO
NOT APPLY THEM TO YOUR ENTIRE LAWN.
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Stop using weed and feed
products. Try overseeding with low maintenance mixes
of fescues and rye grasses to outcompete weeds.
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Be careful not to get pesticides
or fertilizer on the driveway or sidewalk because they will easily be
washed down a storm drain the next time it rains.
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Do not put anything on your lawn before it is predicted to rain.
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Do a soil test before
applying any fertilizer to your lawn. Free soil test
kits are available from local
soil and water conservation districts and
county extension offices.
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Use slow-release
fertilizers, which are better for your lawn and for the environment.
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Lawns need less than an inch of
water per week. Try using a rain gauge. That way you'll know
that if it has rained an inch, you do not need to water your lawn.
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Compost yard waste. Don't leave
it in the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams.
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Learn how to YardScape by visiting these sites:
Maine YardScaping
Partnership
Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District
