How to make your lawn even more "green" this summer

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Created on Monday, 09 July 2012 09:55

This summer there are other ways to make your lawn green. What type of mower should you use? Gas-powered lawn equipment is estimated to emit 80,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year in Canada.

  If you have a small lawn use a push reel mower. If you have a large lot there are electric lawn mowers available (plug in or battery operated). If a gas mower is unavoidable, maintenance is really important for efficient use and reducing emissions.

•  Tune up
• Clean carburetor and filter
•  Clean top and bottom housing
•  Check and change the oil
•  Drain gas at the end of the season

How do you mow effectively?

•  Keep mower blade sharp (sharpen annually at least)

•  Keep blades high off the ground

•  Never cut more than 1/3 the length of the grass

•  Leave the lawn 2.5 to 3 inches tall

•  Leave lawn clippings on the lawn (natural slow releasing fertilizer)

• Generally, only mow every 7‐10 days

•  Mow dry

•  Reduce lawn space for mowing by creating flower beds, rock gardens, gardens and planting trees.