E-IGHWMO Water Smart Yards

The greatest source of water pollution in cities is from stormwater runoff. The way we manage our yards can have a big impact on stormwater runoff and the quality of our local lakes. The Water Smart Yards checklist has 14 different areas of improvement for homeowners to consider. Use the checklist as a self-assessment to see how you are doing. If you meet all 14 you can request a sign to proudly display in your Water Smart Yard.

Question Title

* 1. MOW HIGH AND WATER LESS: Mowing your grass at 4" helps shade out weeds and encourages roots to grow longer. The lawn will tolerate heat better and require less water. Most effective watering practices include watering early in the morning, close to the ground, slowly, deeply and less frequently.

Yes

Question Title

* 2. USE AN EFFICIENT IRRIGATION SYSTEM: Check that your irrigation system is not overspraying onto sidewalks or streets, is not leaking, and uses water gauge sensors and smart controllers to monitor when water should turn on and off.

Yes

Question Title

* 3. USE NATURAL HERBICIDES, PESTICIDES OR FERTILIZERS: Runoff from chemical fertilizers causes harm to our lakes, streams and ponds. Use natural fertilizers and amendments. Follow product instructions.

Yes

Question Title

* 4. AERATE THE LAWN: Compacted soils both increase runoff because water can't infiltrate the soil and decrease the health of the vegetation because there is little space for water, oxygen, nutrients and room for roots to grow. Aerate your lawn every few years.

Yes

Question Title

* 5. REDUCE THE SIZE OF THE LAWN: Turf grass provides very few benefits to the ecosystem. For a more sustainable yard, reduce the size of the lawn by replacing some areas with perennial groundcover and gardens.

Yes

Question Title

* 6. PLANT NATIVE GROUNDCOVER OR FESCUE LAWN: Traditional grass lawns require a high input of resources to maintain attractiveness )Water, fertilizer, herbicide, mowing). Plant grass areas with low maintenance perennial groundcover, sedges, or pollinator lawns.

Yes

Question Title

* 7. LANDSCAPE WITH NATIVE PLANTS: Native plants are best suited for our weather and soil and use far less water than generic plants. Pollinators and birds rely on native plants to thrive and raise their young. Think of the diversity of life that lives in the different layers (ground to canopy) and plant a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennial plants to provide habitat for a variety of wildlife.

Yes

Question Title

* 8. REMOVE INVASIVES: Familiarize yourself with the invasive plants in your area (MN Noxious Weeds List) and remove them from your property.

Yes

Question Title

* 9. MULCH AND AMEND THE SOIL NATURALLY: Compost, grass clippings, and fallen leave improve the soil structure and add nutrients for your plants. Attach a leaf mulching blade to your lawnmower in the fall to mulch leaves into the lawn.

Yes

Question Title

* 10. ADD A RAINGARDEN: It's astounding how much rainwater runs off the rood in a storm. A raingarden is designed to collect and infiltrate runoff from roofs, driveways, and sidewalks before it flows into the storm sewer.

Yes

Question Title

* 11. REDIRECT DOWNSPOUT WATER: Collect rain runoff from the roof by redirecting water through the use of gutters, downspouts, rain chains, swales, and rain barrels. Rain barrel water can be used to water gardens and lawns another day.

Yes

Question Title

* 12. ADD DRIVEWAY RUNOFF DIVERSIONS: By installing a drain system such as a channel drain, rubber razor, or "speed bump", the driveway's rainwater runoff can be redirected into a swale or raingarden.

Yes

Question Title

* 13. DISPOSE OF TOXINS SAFELY: If you pour toxins into the street, the rain will move them through the stormwater system directly into the lakes and groundwater. Bring oils, paint thinners, paints and pesticides to the Dakota County Recycling Zone where they will be disposed of properly.

Yes

Question Title

* 14. LIMIT USE OF SALT: When it's time to replace the old water softener, find one that is an efficient or salt-free water treatment system. To combat winter's icy sidewalks and driveways, shovel first and then apply anti-icers (sand, kitty litter) lightly if needed.

Yes