Regarded in our community
as “The Name to Know”
for providing Comprehensive
Wealth Management and
Tax Planning Guidance.
732.772.9000
TheJournalNJ.com | APRIL 2020 27
How Lawn Care
Rivers and Wildlife
BY LORI DRAZ
Those squishy, stingy jellysh have been around for millions of
years, and they will be back again this summer. The amount
of jellysh varies each year depending on levels of pollution,
sediment and algae in our waterways. Chair of the Rumson Environmental
Commission Kristen Rolfes Hall shared some important
information on how your lawn care affects the environment that can
increase jellysh numbers.
Fish and jellysh compete for the same resources, but an increase
in algae growth depletes the oxygen in the waters. Fish die
off, but jellysh can survive and thrive in low-oxygen waters, enjoying
the remaining abundance of food and lack of predators.
Unusually warm weather and misuse of fertilizers contributes
to algal blooms. Fertilizers nd their way into local waters and promote
the growth of algae, just like they promote growth in the garden.
Homeowners should know the effects of lawn care choices.
Healthy lawns don’t require as much fertilizer as you might
think. Help the rivers by following these ve steps:
1. Do not fertilize your lawn if rain is in the forecast. Instead
of soaking into the soil, the fertilizer is likely to simply wash
away with the stormwater and nd its way to local waters.
2. Once established, only fertilize your lawn in the fall.
According to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, “Fertilizing your
lawn in September through November reduces or eliminates the
need for fertilizer in the spring, reduces frequency of mowing and
improves drought resistance.” Fall fertilizing strengthens roots system
while spring fertilizing promotes top growth, which requires
more frequent mowing and can actually stunt root growth.
3. Don’t overwater your lawn. Most New Jersey lawns only
require a thorough watering once or twice a week during the summer.
Anything more is excessive and may undermine your lawn’s
health. The most efcient time to water is between 10 pm and 8 am
when the water won’t evaporate and can penetrate the root system.
Sprinkler systems should be tted with a rain censor to prevent your
system from watering following a rain.
4. Proper mowing practices. A 2 ½ to 3½ inch mowing
height will help increase drought resistance and will decrease insects
and disease damage. Grass clippings, which are comprised
mostly of water, should remain on your lawn. The clippings decompose
quickly and provide nutrients for the soil and roots.
5. Planting ground cover reduces your reliance on fertilizers.
Native ground cover also provides a benecial habitat for
insects and wildlife. Beautiful, hearty perennial borders along the
curb or riverbank can capture water and nutrients before they enter
the storm water system and local rivers.
The Rumson Environmental Commission is an all-volunteer
commission appointed by the mayor and Township Council of Rumson
to help the town identify and protect its natural resources and
promote sustainable practices and land use within the community.
Fertilizers nd their way into local waters and promote the
growth of algae, just like they promote growth in the garden.
/TheJournalNJ.com
/joebonfiglio.com