What is Delaware Livable Lawns?
The goal of Delaware Livable Lawns is simple—reduce fertilizer runoff from lawns, one of the biggest sources of waterway contamination. This initiative addresses the issue in two ways:
- Certifying lawn care companies that follow environmentally friendly practices in fertilizer application
- Educating homeowners on environmentally friendly lawn care practices in fertilizer application
Help save our bays and rivers one lawn at a time
Healthy lawn care, along with applying the right amount of the right fertilizer at the right time, enhances plant growth without causing elevated pollution. Learn how your actions can directly affect our water quality.
What is stormwater runoff?
Stormwater runoff occurs when there is more water than the land can absorb. Any pollutants, including fertilizer, can get picked up and added to the runoff. Many people are unaware that storm drains do not carry water to wastewater treatment plants. Instead, the polluted water flows directly into our waterways through storm drains as it moves over paved surfaces. The EPA considers stormwater runoff one of the most significant sources of contamination in our country’s waterways. Learn more about stormwater runoff from Mr. Raindrop!
What’s the environmental impact of polluted stormwater runoff?
Although all plants need nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus for healthy growth, elevated nutrient levels in stormwater can negatively affect water quality. Excess nutrients can cause algae to grow too quickly, leading to algal blooms. These blooms then consume oxygen that aquatic life needs to survive, block sunlight from reaching underwater plants, clog fish gills, and create cloudy water, making it difficult to find food, all of which can kill fish.
How can your Delaware Livable Lawn make an impact?
A livable lawn is healthy, supports biodiversity, and prevents water pollution. By following our program’s guidelines or using a certified lawn care company, you can add to the list of over 1,700 acres currently helping to protect the environment. No area is too small to support the health of our waterways, so sign up today and get a free soil test kit!
Who manages this program?
Delaware Livable Lawns is administered by the Delaware Nursery & Landscape Association and guided by an advisory group representing government agencies and industry professionals. We thank DelDOT for the initial funding.