DUTCHESS COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

2008 SEEDLING SALE WEB PAGE

OVER 60 YEARS OF CONSERVATION

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HOMEOWNERS

We can all do simple things in our yards, no matter how big or small they are, to protect water quality.  Here are a couple of examples of landscaping techniques you can use to manage runoff and protect your water quality.

You can work with nature to grow a healthy and beautiful lawn in six easy steps.

•  Develop healthy soil by testing it before applying fertilizers or pH balancers.  Excess materials will be washed away by runoff and pollute nearby waters.

•  Plant only species that are compatible with your soil type and climate.  This will reduce the need for excess fertilizing and watering.

•  Mow high and often with sharp blades.  This will help you grow strong, healthy grass with fewer pest problems.

•  Water deeply, but not too often.  It is best to water only when the lawn really needs it, and then water slowly and deeply to develop stronger roots that are less vulnerable to drought.

•  Correct thatch build-up.  When it gets thicker than about 1/2 inch, it prevents water and nutrients from getting to the roots.

•  Set realistic goals.  Even a healthy lawn will have some weeds and pests.  It will also have beneficial insects and organisms to help keep pests under control.

Even a small yard can be landscaped to attract birds, butterflies, beneficial insects and small animals.  Trees and shrubs are the backbone  of any landscaping design and are important for wildlife shelter and food.  Nesting boxes, feeders and watering sites can be added to improve the habitat.  Check out our Seedling Sale Order Form if you would like to purchase conservation plantings.  SEEDLING SALE

You can be on your way to safer pest management in four easy steps.

Make sure there is a pest problem.  Many people apply pesticides to prevent pests, rather to react to them.  This is not an effective approach and can lead to resistance in pests.

Accurately identify the problem.  Some disease or nutrient issues may look like insect infestation.  Make sure you know what you are tackling so that you can use the right tools.

Choose your method.  Choose the method that best fits your needs and situation.  Consider physical or biological methods first.  If they are unreliable or impractical, you may need chemical control

Do not overuse your method.  Overuse of pesticides can cause pests to build up resistance.  Also, excess pesticides wash off into our lakes, streams, wetlands and Hudson River.  Wherever they end up, they do just what they would do in your yard: kill bugs.  They do not discriminate between beneficial and harmful organisms.

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