• Reduce or eliminate fertilizers on lawns. The typical American applies many times the recommended amount of fertilizer.
• If you use a lawn care company, print and refer to these questions for your lawn care provider.
• Download our easy guide to a beautiful but river-friendly lawn.
• Your lawn may not need fertilizer or it may not need the kind of fertilizer that you are using. Find out with "low impact" soil tests ($10) from A&L, www.aleastern.com. They offer river-friendly advice along with soil test results.
• If you fertilize, use organic compost instead of chemical fertilizers. Fertilizers act as pollutants once they enter the river. You can either create your own compost or purchase it from a garden supply center. Discover more about fertilizer alternatives.
• Overseed thin areas in the spring and fall to crowd out weeds. Just rake to expose the soil, spread the seed and cover the 1/4 inch of compost or soil.
• Mow high. Mowing with your blade set low exposes your lawn to weeds, disease and pests.
• Go easy. Kill weeds by applying a 10% vinegar solution to unwanted plants. Use mild soap and water as an alternative to more harsh chemical pesticides.
• If you're not already a River Star Home, sign up to become one!
  

For an easy start on "green" lawn care, get help from any company on the following list of Hampton Roads lawn care operators participating in the DCR Water Quality Agreement Program as of March 15th, 2011.