Watershed Protection
There are many things you can do around your home to help protect
your water supply. One of the most important protection measures is in how you care for
your lawn.
Consider the following items for a healthy yard and a safe
watershed:
 Establishing
a Lawn
When starting a lawn from scratch, have a soil test done to determine whether
fertilizer
is needed, what formula to use, how much to apply and whether the soil needs lime. It is
best to seed in the fall. The newly planted lawn should be mulched to prevent erosion and
washing of seed and nutrients. Mist-water frequently to ensure germination. Use a
sprinkler instead of a hand-held garden hose.
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Soil Testing
Stop by your Cooperative Extension
office or any public library in Norfolk or Virginia Beach to obtain a free soil testing
kit. Take the soil sample according to the instructions and mail it along with a check to
Virginia Tech Soil Testing Laboratory. You will be sent a report which will provide you
with instructions on improving your lawn and, in particular, will indicate whether you
already have sufficient phosphorus fertilizer. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for the test to be
analyzed and returned to you.
Check with your lawn care company to see if they will take the soil
sample and send it to the Laboratory for you.
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Fertilizer
You may need much less fertilizer than you think. Don't exceed one pound
of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in a single application. After all, you can always
fertilize again later if necessary. Follow this link to calculate
fertilizer application.
Typical Virginia soils have enough phosphorus to provide a healthy
lawn. Use a no-phosphorus or low phosphorus fertilizer formula for already
established lawns. Also, a high percentage of the nitrogen should be water
insoluble. This means that the fertilizer continues to release slowly despite the presence
of water. Even if it washes into the reservoirs it does not become immediately available
to plant life.
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Herbicides
A properly-mowed, limed and fertilized lawn should eliminate most
weeds. Instead of undertaking a complicated and expensive chemical treatment program, try
using recommended lawn care practices for a year or two to increase the quality of your
turf naturally. When using herbicides, adhere to the instructions on the label for use and
disposal.
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 Insecticides
Blanket application of some insecticides may kill beneficial
organisms which prey on harmful insects. In particular, insecticides will kill parasites
which have been known to control gypsy moths. Frequent insecticide applications may
predispose your lawn to attacks by other pests. Avoid dousing everything with chemicals.
Follow instructions on the insecticide label for use and disposal. Buy no more than you
really need. For pest identification and control recommendations, call the Agriculture
Information Center.
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Aeration
Powered aerators or coring machines remove cores of soil and leave
small holes in the lawn. This loosens compacted soil, increasing the availability of water
and nutrients to the roots, enhancing oxygen levels in the soil and improving favorable
conditions for earthworm survival. Aeration should be done in the fall in accordance with
your fall fertilization schedule. Lawn service companies provide this service or you can
rent an aerator.
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Mowing
Proper mowing techniques can decrease the need for applying
fertilizers, pesticides and water. Mowing at the proper height for the type of grass being
grown discourages weed growth and increases drought tolerance. Tall fescue lawns should be
mowed to 2 to 3 inches, while Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass lawns should be cut between
1-1/2 and 2-1/2 inches. Lawns should be mowed frequently enough so that no more than
one-third of the grass blade is removed in any mowing. Cutting the grass too short
discourages root growth and increases the need for watering. Also, short grass clippings
should be left on the lawn to reduce the need for adding fertilizer and to reduce yard
wastes. Mower blades should be kept sharp to cut cleanly. Raggedly cut grass is more
susceptible to disease and insects.
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Recycling
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn to recycle nutrients.
- A compost heap makes yard waste useful again as soil conditioner.
- Take oil to oil-collection centers.
- Follow local instructions for hazardous waste materials disposal.
- Mulch with free composted leaves and wood mulch.
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| EMERGENCY NUMBERS: |
| Water or Sewer Main Breaks (757) 823-1000 |
| Water Turn On/Turn Off (757) 664-6700 |
| Miss Utility (Call Before You Dig) |
1-800-552-7001
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