Choose earth-friendly landscaping
Did you know that herbicides and pesticides are harmful to our kids, pets, and
the environment?
The chemicals in these materials pollute our waterways if washed from our lawns
and gardens into storm drains or roadside ditches that lead directly to our lakes
and rivers. Practicing earth-friendly landscaping in your yard and garden can help
to protect kids, pets, and our waterways.
So what can you do? Simple.
• Select plants native to Michigan. These plants require less fertilizer and water,
and are more disease resistant.
• Avoid over-watering your lawn — it needs about 1 inch of rain per week.
• Use mulch around trees and plants to help retain water, reduce weeds, and minimize
the need for pesticides.
• Mow your lawn high — 3 inches is the rule. Bag your clippings and fallen leaves and
place them curbside in a recyclable lawn bag on the normal day for your garbage
collection. Or try mowing grass clippings and leaves into your lawn — they make
good fertilizers.
• Use herbicides and pesticides sparingly and limit application to problem areas only.
Choose earth-friendly landscaping and help keep our water clean.
Brought to you by the Southeast Michigan Partners for Clean Water
Our Water. Our Future.Ours to Protect.
