Lawn care
Simple choices that we make in our yards have more effects than we often think about. For instance, over applying fertilizers can result in runoff that carries high levels of chemicals or excessive nutrients into lakes, streams and groundwater.

Rain to Recreation aims to change lawn care behavior that affects water quality. When we work together to make changes that reduce polluted runoff, we also reduce flooding, keep our water clean, provide habitat and beautify the city.

Healthy Yards Kansas Healthy Yards and Communities is a Kansas State University Research and Extension program that educates the public on environmentally conscious lawn-and garden-care techniques. As part of the program, residents can use a self-assessment to evaluate the maintenance practices of their yard.

Points are awarded for practices like conducting a soil test, planting trees and shrubs that are adapted to the local environment and require minimal fertilizer, rain shut-off devices for irrigated lawns, leaving grass clippings on the lawn, using an electric lawnmower, installing a rain barrel, providing shelter for songbirds and more.

Residents can take the assessment, calculate their points and submit the assessment to Mandy Stark, Watershed Outreach & Education Specialist. Yards will be rated on their level of eco-activity and receive a Healthy Yards and Communities sign based on the rating.

Lenexa is partnering with the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension office, the City of Overland Park and the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program in this effort.

What can you do?
With a few simple steps, you can make your lawn earth-friendly — and save time and money, too.

• Mow high and mow less often. Cutting your lawn higher (2 to 3 inches) encourages a stronger root system and reduces evaporation. Or consider a mulching mower that chops grass and leaves it on the lawn as natural fertilizer. • Landscape with native plants. Decrease the mowing area by planting native flowerbeds and shrubs. Native plants require little or no maintenance, and less water, fertilizer and pesticide than grass.
	• Avoid over watering your lawn, the most common problem in the home landscape. Lawns need an average of one inch of water per week. Use a flow meter to determine the ideal rate for your lawn – conserving water and saving money on your bill. • Water lawns and gardens before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to slow evaporation. Don’t water on windy, overcast or rainy days. Taking these steps can save as much as 300 gallons of water per month, according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency.
• Compost yard waste. Composting reduces strain on our landfills, water pollution, and provides a nourishing additive for your garden. What’s more, dumping lawn clippings in • Follow fertilizing instructions. Read labels on lawn chemicals carefully and always apply products sparingly. • Get tested. Use soil tests to determine what your lawn really needs. • Skip the P. Phosphrous, or “P,” is a significant nutrient found polluting lakes and ponds in Lenexa. While it comes from several sources, using P-free fertilizer will help reduce its presence in our freshwater.
	• Watch where you fertilize. Use caution on slopes and keep fertilizer off sidewalks so it doesn’t wash off. • Time it right. Allow proper drying time for liquid chemicals, and never use lawn chemicals before a heavy rainfall. • Ask questions. If you utilize a lawn care service, find out if they’re following green practices.

Questions?
Contact Mandy Stark, Watershed Outreach & Education Specialist.