F. Lawns

Preamble

Lawn fertilization can be a major source of excess nutrients that leach into groundwater or are washed off into roads that lead to water bodies causing eutrophication, unwanted algal blooms, oxygen depletion, fish kills and foul odors. The extent of such eutrophication will depend upon the amount of nutrients added and the flushing capacity of the receiving waters. Insecticides and herbicides used to maintain lawns also contaminate our waters.

Requirements

Grasses with their fibrous root system tend to be excellent stabilizing plants especially on steep slopes. The same factors that affect trees and shrubs also influence the health of grasses.

• For any lawns that are to be planted within 100 feet of a resource area, a minimum of 4-6 inches of loam is required prior to planting. This will improve conditions for the lawn and also reduce chances of nutrient leaching through the soil.

• Only hardy species of grass that require little or no fertilizer and those that can tolerate drier conditions are allowed such as a mixture of fescues, rye grasses, etc.

Herbicide use

Because Cape Cod is such an environmentally fragile area, the Commission suggests limited use of herbicides. When they are absolutely required, the Commission recommends that professional advice be sought and that a licensed applicator must be employed if either herbicides or pesticides are used within Commission Jurisdiction.