E S OU CES R E A L E S T AT E B R O K E R
welcomes
Carol
Crivelli
sales associate
formerly of
Better Homes and Gardens
Real Estate, Murphy & Co.
Rivers and Wildlife
457A Broad Street, Shrewsbury O: 732-212-0440 C: 908-489-4264
ccrivelli@resourcesrealestate.com ResourcesRealEstate.com
TheJournalNJ.com | APRIL 2020 19
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 ef-
cient 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.
BY LORI DRAZ
Fertilizers nd their way into local waters and promote the
growth of algae, just like they promote growth in the garden.
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