The "Don't Bag It" Lawn Plan
Fredville does not collect grass clippings at the curb or in the alley. Keeping clippings out of the trash saves precious space at the Fredville Landfill. From March through September, clippings alone can push the amount of household trash up by 20 to 50 percent.
When you mow and leave the clippings where they fall, they break down and feed the soil, giving you a healthy, attractive lawn. Clippings are also a great addition to a garden compost pile. If you would rather not leave them on the lawn, bag them and take them to the Fredville Landfill.
A lawn often does better when you do less. Follow these eight simple steps for a healthier yard:
- Mow less often. Taller grass soaks up more sunlight and shades out weeds.
- Put away the rake. Cut no more than a third of the blade at a time and let the clippings stay as free fertilizer.
- Skip dethatching. Thatch, the layer of roots and stems that sits just above the soil, is rarely a problem. Dethatch only if the lawn has been overfertilized.
- Use less fertilizer. According to researchers, most grasses thrive on about 3 pounds of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet each season, split into three or more well-timed applications.
- Cut back on weed killer. Healthy turf will crowd weeds out by itself.
- Cut back on bug spray. Identify the pest before you treat. Your county extension agent can help you figure out what is damaging your grass.
- Water less. An average lawn can drink 10,000 gallons over a summer and raise a water bill by half. Train your grass to need less: wait until a footprint stays pressed into the lawn, then give it as little as a quarter inch of water a week to keep the roots alive. During very dry spells, keep foot traffic off the grass.
- Let go of perfection. If an area gets less than four hours of sun or simply is not right for grass, plant a different ground cover there.
How should I get rid of weeds and leaves?
Bag pulled weeds and raked leaves in trash bags and set them at the curb on either of your two weekly garbage collection days.
How is brush collected?
There are two ways to have cut brush picked up at your home:
- Tie brush into bundles and set them at the curb on your normal garbage day, and Cardinal Waste Services will haul them away. Each bundle can weigh up to 50 pounds and be up to 6 feet long.
- Or pile loose brush at the curb during the week the city's brush crew visits your zone. This monthly service collects unbagged, unbundled tree limbs, brush and firewood up to 10 inches thick and 5 feet long, in a pile no bigger than a compact car. See the brush program guidelines for your schedule and setout rules.
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