BOROUGH OF MACUNGIE

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

LAWN AND GARDEN EFFECTS

Stormwater is the water that runs off surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, highways and parking lots. It can also come from hard grassy surfaces like lawns, play fields and from graveled roads and parking lots.

We are all part of watersheds, which are geographically-defined areas where runoff drains to a common point. These watersheds cross municipal boundaries and even individual neighborhoods. Macungie Borough is located within the Little Lehigh Creek Watershed.

Every lawn, garden and street is within a watershed. The types of lawn and garden chemicals we use can have drastic effects on the streams and rivers within these watersheds. If too much pesticide and fertilizers are applied to lawns and trees, the excess may be washed off during the first rainfall event. When these pollutants reach our streams, they cause the eco-system to deteriorate.

As part of the Borough's ongoing public education series, below are some tips to follow during lawn and garden season:

	If you need to use pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, following the label directions and apply the correct dosage. Most products should not be used when rain is predicted.
	Organic fertilizers and pesticides are safer to store than chemical varieties. Still use caution with organic fertilizers and manure, as their runoff can increase nutrient levels in streams and damage the eco-system.
	Choose plants according to the amount of sun and shade they will receive. This will help eliminate the need for fertilizers, watering, and pesticides.
	Minimize the amount of times a lawn is mowed by keeping the lawn height at 2 to 3 inches. A high-quality lawn will help hold runoff, filters out pollutants by absorbing them into its root structure, and will require less watering.
	Make sure that all yard wastes are bagged properly and set out for disposal. If possible, try to mulch your yard wastes in the back yard.

Check out the "10 Commandments for a Healthy Yard."