Reduce Polluted Runoff
Make sure your downspouts drain onto grass or gravel, rather than paved driveways and sidewalks.
Test Your Soil
Have your soil tested 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 actually 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 natural fertilizer.
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)
Reduce Pesticide Use
Make your own garden insect repellents using everyday household items - garlic, vinegar and cooking oil.
Know Your Grass
Identify your grass so you can care for it properly. For example, cool-season grasses are best fertilized in fall.
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 waters.
Install a Rain Barrel
Install a rain barrel to capture water from your downspouts. You can use this water for your plants and garden.
Maintain Your Septic System
Have your septic system pumped out every 3-5 years to prevent accidental sewage overflows.
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 waters.
Use Fertilizer Properly
Do not apply fertilizer to drainage areas in your yard, where it can easily run off your property.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Plant a buffer of trees and shrubs around the edge of your property to capture polluted runoff.
Use Pesticides Properly
Never use more pesticides than you need, and take care to store them properly so they do not leak.
Use Native Plants
Plant native flowers, shrubs and trees. They require less water and attract birds, butterflies and honeybees.
Use Safer Pesticides
Try weed and insect control products that contain plant-derived and non-toxic ingredients.
Keep Fertilizer Off Hard Surfaces
Keep lawn fertilizer off hard surfaces like walkways and driveways, where it can easily wash into storm drains.
Compost Fallen Leaves
Instead of spending painstaking 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.
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.
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)