Falmouth Friendly Lawns Project

In 2005, the FACES Board of Directors approved the formation of the Fertilizer Committee to develop a campaign to educate Falmouth home and business owners about the detrimental effects on our local waterways of using fertilizers in yard maintenance. Out of this committee and its efforts grew the award-winning Falmouth Friendly Lawns (FFL) Project, which focuses on educating the public and business-owners on how to care for their lawns in ways that minimize adverse impacts to our water bodies and the environment in general. Fertilizes contribute significantly to the excess nitrogen problem in our bays, estuaries and salt-ponds, and citizens can reduce their nitrogen footprints by employing the lawn-care techniques outlined in FACES' Falmouth Friendly Lawn Brochure and listed below. Individuals interested in finding a professional versed in FFL sustainable techniques are encouraged to consult the FFL Honor Roll or contact FACES at info@facesfalmouth.org

FALMOUTH-FRIENDLY LAWNS OVERVIEW

The key elements of the Falmouth-Friendly Lawns Program are:

• Soil should have a pH level o f 6.5-7.0. Modify as appropriate to reach this level;
  
• 6 inches of topsoil is ideal but if you don't have it, add 1/4 " to 1/2" of top dressing every year;
  
• Over-seed with a mix of fescues and perennial ryes. No Kentucky blue for the Cape;
  
• Mow about 3" high and keep the blade sharp;
  
• Leave the clippings on the ground in order to return nutrients to the soil;
  
• Water the lawn with 1" of water each week for deep roots. Use a tuna can placed on the ground to measure the water;
  
• Try to avoid the use of fertilizers. If you must fertilize, do so only in the spring and/or fall with water-insoluble nitrogen. Grass clippings and atmospheric N are enough to keep a lawn healthy for years;
  
• Avoid the use of chemical insecticides and herbicides. These, too, enter our waters and have adverse health and ecological impacts.