Help save our bays and rivers one lawn at a time!

What’s a Livable Lawn?

A livable lawn is healthy, supports biodiversity, and prevents water pollution. Homeowners can create a livable lawn by applying the right amount of the right fertilizer at the right time. This allows lawns to flourish while minimizing pollution caused by stormwater runoff. Get your DIY Checklist for a livable lawn and sign up to get a free soil test kit!

What a livable lawn isn’t

Let’s clear up a few misconceptions about livable lawns.

  • It’s not a freedom lawn – This refers to having no lawn maintenance other than mowing. Research has shown that these lawns begin to thin after time, weeds take over, and erosion can more easily occur, resulting in more phosphorus leaching into streams and rivers. 
  • It’s not always green – Grass enters a dormant state and may become brown in winter and during short periods of drought.  It’s normal and doesn’t make you the bad guy. Don’t worry. It will rebound during the next rainfall, and you’ll have saved water and money.   
  • It’s not the same as organic – Having a livable lawn doesn’t necessarily mean it must be maintained organically. In recent years, organic pesticides have become a popular alternative to conventional (AKA, synthetic) pesticides, but for Livable Lawns, you can choose the best management solution for you. For us, a livable lawn is one that follows the program’s guidelines as outlined in the DIY Checklist.  
  • It’s not always necessary to fertilize – Before applying any lawn care products, it’s essential to check your soil health. The soil test results will indicate whether fertilization is necessary. 

Benefits of a livable lawn

The benefits of a healthy, attractive lawn are many and diverse. Lawns can:

  • Prevent soil erosion, provide cooling, reduce dust and mud, remove environmental pollutants, absorb carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen. 
  • Provide a safe, comfortable surface for many athletic and social activities and vital green space to the urban environment. 
  • Provide environmental benefits but aren’t as effective at cleaning stormwater runoff or supporting a diverse wildlife population. 

When possible, it’s important to limit their use by expanding areas of landscape beds, planting meadows, or adding trees. Considering native plants for these areas will add even more environmental benefits.