Many people are unaware that you can maintain that same openness by replacing all or part of your lawn with another lush, green groundcover or even a meadow of wildflowers, both of which will be virtually maintenance-free. This transformation can provide you with unbelievable display of foliage and blooms that change weekly. If you take this approach, and replace the sod with native wildflowers, grasses and ground covers, your lawn will need only an annual mowing. In addition, once it's established, a “lawn full of native plants almost never needs watering, which will make your lawn the best-looking in your neighborhood when drought turns all the other yards brown.

    Returning the grassy area of your yard to a meadow of indigenous species will also attract birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects to your yard.”

    LINKS: for native plant gardens; butterfly gardens; backyard habitats

    If you have actively decided to have a traditional yard, follow the information and suggestions below to do to make it as environmentally and Sound friendly as possible.

    Yard Care

    Tailoring yard care practices to local environmental conditions will help reduce the need to add fertilizers and pesticides. Evaluate the condition of the lawn area to help select appropriate grass species for the site. Not all grass is alike.

    The proper match between conditions and plant species (including grass seed) can help reduce
any of the problems associated with yard care. A soil test is the fundamental first step to any yard care program. Too often, fertilizers (and pesticides) are applied without knowing exactly what is recommended for the particular lawn or garden being treated. Proper soil pH enhances the ability of plants to utilize available nutrients, tolerate hot and dry weather, and resist disease.

    Since most soil in the northeast is acidic (low pH), the application of lime may correct this condition and fertilizer may not be needed. Testing your soil’s pH can save you valuable time and money.
   
    Actions to ensure a Healthy Lawn and Reduced Impact on Long Island Sound:
    Test soil pH and add lime accordingly.

     If you are going to use synthetic fertilizers, feed your lawn at the right time of the year. Feed once in the fall to promote strong roots and healthy spring growth.

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