Take Up Composting
Consider composting, nature’s own way of recycling yard waste. Composting is the controlled breakdown of organic material such as yard waste or food scraps. You can buy a compost bin or make one yourself. In a few months, you’ll have a great (and free) soil amendment for your garden and flowers. This will improve the soil’s porosity and reduce the frequency of watering. See more on composting at these government websites: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Resource Conservation Service.
Save Time with Grasscycling
Grasscycling is simply a matter of leaving your grass clippings on the lawn. The clippings quickly decompose, returning nutrients to the soil. This practice saves time, money, and protects the environment. Refer to your owner's manual or contact a local lawnmower dealer to learn if you can safely grasscycle with your existing mower. You may need to purchase a retrofit kit. Mulching mowers are also available for purchase.
Leave Leaves Alone
Tired of raking or blowing leaves every year? Consider mulching them with your mower directly into the turf. Learn how through Virginia's Cooperative Extension Office.
Rent or Purchase a Brush Chipper
These portable devices are simple to use. Just feed branches, twigs and stems into the chipper. The machine will convert the brush into a fine mulch. This mulch is ready to use and can be placed around the base of plants and shrubs. Wood mulch minimizes a plant's need for watering in the summer and protects its roots in the winter.
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