How to Dispose of Leaves the Bay-Friendly Way
Fallen leaves shouldn't end up in the landfill or the burn pile. Instead, consider mulching, composting or curbside collection. (Read Article)
Reduce Air Pollution
Use electric or manual lawn mowers and yard tools instead of gas-powered machines that can pollute our air.
Reduce Pesticide Use
Instead of applying chemical pesticides to your sidewalk or garden, use boiling water to kill weeds, ant colonies and other pests.
Improve Wildlife Habitat
Plant a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs in your yard to attract different kinds of wildlife.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Spread mulch over bare ground to prevent soil erosion and stop the flow of polluted runoff from your lawn into local waterways.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Instead of asphalt or concrete, use porous surfaces like gravel or pavers to pave your driveway or patio.
Use Fertilizer Properly
Do not apply fertilizer to dormant lawns or frozen ground, where it could easily run off your property and into storm drains.
Conserve Water
Instead of sprinklers, use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to water your lawn and garden.
How to Test Your Soil
Knowing what nutrients are in your soil can help plants and the Bay! (Read Article)
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Make sure your home's downspouts drain onto grass or gravel rather than paved driveways or sidewalks.
Test Your Soil
Test your soil to determine how much fertilizer your lawn needs (if any at all) and the best time to apply it.
Don't Overapply Fertilizer
Use only the amount of lawn fertilizer you need. Twice the product won't make your lawn twice as green!
Compost Kitchen Scraps
Instead of throwing kitchen scraps down the garbage disposal, compost them to create a rich soil for potted and in-ground plants.
How to Choose and Use Native Plants
Planting native plants is an excellent way to increase wildlife habitat and help the Chesapeake Bay. Learn which plants are "native" and how to choose the best plants for your yard. (Read Article)
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Plant more trees and shrubs in your yard to reduce erosion, capture runoff and provide habitat for wildlife.
Reduce Polluted Runoff
Apply no more than the recommended amount of deicer to melt ice on your steps or driveway.
Use Pesticides Properly
Never use more pesticides than you need. Take care to store chemicals properly so containers do not leak.
Use Native Plants
Plant native flowers, shrubs and trees. They often require less water and can attract birds, butterflies and honeybees.
Maintain Your Septic System
Do not plant trees or shrubs near your septic drain field. Roots clog septic drain lines and cause overflows.
Pick Up Pet Waste
Pick up after your pet. Pet waste contains nutrients and bacteria that can wash into local waterways if left on the ground.
Reduce Pesticide Use
Make your own garden insect repellents using common household items like garlic, vinegar and cooking oil.
Maintain Your Septic System
Have your septic system pumped out every three to five years to prevent accidental sewage overflows.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Plant a buffer of trees and shrubs around the edge of your property to capture polluted runoff.
Install a Rain Barrel
Install a rain barrel underneath your home's downspout to capture rainwater from your roof. You can use this water to keep your garden green.
Use Fertilizer Properly
Do not apply fertilizer to drainage areas in your yard, where it could easily run off your property.
Keep Fertilizer Off Hard Surfaces
Keep lawn fertilizer off hard surfaces like walkways and driveways, where it can easily wash into storm drains.
Don't Use Fertilizer as a Deicer
Never use lawn fertilizer as a deicer. It contains nutrients that can run off your property and pollute local waterways.
Compost Fallen Leaves
Instead of spending hours raking, blowing and bagging fallen leaves, try composting them instead.
"Grasscycle" Lawn Clippings
Instead of fertilizing, leave leftover grass clippings on your lawn for a natural source of nitrogen.
Use Safer Pesticides
Use weed and insect-control products that contain plant-derived, non-toxic ingredients.
Fertilize in the Fall
If you need to fertilize your lawn, do it in the fall. Spring rains wash fertilizer off lawns and into local waters.
Conserve Water
Water your lawn and garden in the early morning or early evening to reduce evaporation and save water.
Know Your Grass
Identify the grass growing in your yard so you can care for it properly. For example, cool-season grasses are best fertilized in fall.
How to Deice the Bay-Friendly Way
In large doses, many popular snow and ice removal methods can be harmful to our local waterways. Read on for some helpful guidelines for removing snow and ice the Bay-friendly way. (Read Article)