Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 05, 2015
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Green & Clean initiative encourages responsible lawn care
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — For many Virginians, the arrival of fall means it’s time to break out the fertilizer spreader. While fescue and bluegrass lawns should be fed in the fall, local water quality suffers when fertilizers and other amendments aren’t applied in the correct amounts.
Excess fertilizer on residential and commercial lawns can leach into groundwater or wash off during rains. This contributes to nutrient pollution in local rivers and streams and is one of the leading causes of pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers several resources to help people grow healthy lawns while protecting waterways.
DCR’s Green & Clean initiative encourages the responsible use of fertilizer on turfgrass. Professional lawn-care operators may sign up to be a part of the initiative free of charge. In exchange for their participation, they may use the Green & Clean Company seal, which signifies their commitment to responsible lawn-care practices.
Virginians who are looking to hire a lawn-care company can browse an online list of Green & Clean participants.
“Anyone in Virginia who’s in the market to hire a lawn-care company this fall should look for the Green & Clean Company seal,” said DCR Nutrient Management Specialist Derik Cataldi. “And if they already have a company that maintains their lawn, they should encourage that company to participate in the initiative.”
Thirty-six companies are signed up, but Cataldi hopes to bring on additional companies this fall.
“We’re doing a big push to get this initiative in front of people,” he said. “Turfgrass is the most prevalent crop in Virginia, so improper fertilization can have a big impact. Lawns that are properly maintained look great and help keep our water clean.”
Other resources from DCR:
For more information about the Green & Clean initiative, contact Derik Cataldi at derik.cataldi@dcr.virginia.gov or Chantel Wilson at chantel.wilson@dcr.virginia.gov.
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