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RIPARIAN
PROTECTION FOR HOMEOWNERS
Residents
of Michigan enjoy a unique environment.
Carved out by retreating
glaciers thousands of years ago,
the Great Lakes, along with the
thousands of smaller lakes, rivers,
and streams, were formed. Traditionally,
a lush green carpet of turf grass
from one edge of your property
to the other is the ultimate goal,
but have you considered the impact
of this on our environment? We
precisely sow a tight field of
grass that is difficult to coax
into growing, ply it with fertilizer,
spray it with pesticides, water
it till it finally takes hold
and grows. Then, just as the plants
are healthy and happy, we cut
of the top third and it has to
struggle all over again. Significant
ecological improvements can be
made by home-owners, both in and
outside of riparian areas through
landscaping for water quality.
Landscaping for Water Quality
Why Landscape for Water Quality?
- To
Capture Rain Water. Protect
Water Quality, Increase Infiltration
Rates
and Reduce Pollution: In natural
areas, rainwater infiltrates into
the soil almost completely. Many
contaminates are filtered out by
the soil before the water enters
the surface or ground waters. In
developed lots, typical turf grass
compacts the soil as its roots form
a three-inch thick dense mat which
restricts water flow into the ground
making it almost impervious to water
infiltration. In a typical rainstorm
2/3 of the rain-water runs off your
property rather than filtering through
the ground and recharging the ground
water. This run-off can carry fertilizers,
pesticides, oils, and other contaminants
into our surface waters.
- To
Ease Soil Erosion and Reduce Flooding: With up to 2/3 of rain-water
running off residential property,
significant loss of topsoil
and stream bank erosion can occur.
Typical turf-grass roots only reach about
three inches deep, too shallow
to effectively restrict soil loss from
flowing water. Deeper rooted
plants
such as native prairie plants
and flowers with roots that grow from
one to several feet deep are
required to prevent erosion. By
utilizing
deeper rooted plants, water
infiltration is increased and
less surface
run-off occurs leading to less flooding.
- To
Enhance Property Values: Landscaping
enhancement is a proven method
of increasing the value of your property.
Natural landscapes can also reduce
annual maintenance costs through
reduced water, fertilizer, herbicide
and pesticide usage as well is
reduction in mowing.
For more information check
out the guide “Landscaping
for Water Quality”
Programs
for Assisting Homeowners
- Home*A*Syst: is
a confidential, self-assessment
program you can use to evaluate your home and
property for pollution and health
risks.
The booklet
is available from your local
Michigan State University
Extension
office.
- Lawn*A*Syst: An
environmental risk assessment
guide for lawn care practices.
o Lawn*A*Syst Description
o Spring Lawn Care
o Summer Lawn Care
o Late Summer Lawn Care
o Other Lawn Care
- MSUE
Soil Nutrient Testing Service: Not
sure of what type of fertilizer
to
apply or how often? Get your
soil tested
by Michigan State University’s
County
Extension office.
Cost varies by county,
but generally
ranges
from $9
to $9.50.
- Sources
of Michigan Native Plants – Growers
and
Landscapers
- Other
Links
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