Bans on nonorganic pesticides and on gas-powered leaf blowers don’t have to mean lifeless lawns and gardens with the availability of rebates and green alternatives.
A ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers and vacuums in Montgomery County takes effect Tuesday, July 1 and applies in the City of Rockville. To help residents and businesses comply with the law, the county is offering a limited number of rebates for purchasing electric leaf blowers. Residents are eligible for one $100 rebate. Applications for the rebates are available, starting July 1.
The ban aims to reduce harmful air emissions and continued reliance on fossil fuels, and to lessen health impacts that contribute to hearing loss, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and other health issues. A ban on sales of gas-powered blowers and vacuums took effect last July.
Learn more about rebates and the ban at montgomerycountymd.gov/leafblowers.
The county law barring most nonorganic pesticides on private lawns, playgrounds, mulched recreation areas and child-care facilities also applies in Rockville. Organic lawn care is healthier for children, pets and the environment. And, with these simple tips, your lawn can stay healthy and green:
- Soil tests cost $10-18 and will help you plan what your lawn needs for soil health.
- Core aerate the lawn if the soil is compacted, and feed the soil with compost, earthworm castings, compost tea or other natural materials to boost soil microorganisms.
- Set your mower blade to cut higher than 4 inches and sharpen your blades after every 12 hours of use. Rather than bagging lawn clippings, just leave them to fertilize your lawn.
- Pull weeds by hand. Leave clover to provide nitrogen to the soil, and tolerate a few dandelions, violets or other flowering plants that are good for pollinators and wildlife. Water deeply and infrequently to promote healthy grass root growth.
- Overseed and fight weeds. The denser the grass, the harder it is for weeds to become established. Fall is best for broad overseeding, but you can repair bare or thin patches of lawn in spring and summer.
- Get rebates for “rain-scapes.” Rockville is proud to partner with the Chesapeake Bay Trust for the RainScapes Rebate Program. Rockville residents and nonprofits can receive up to $5,000 in rebates for planting native landscapes, native trees, rain gardens and green roofs. Rebates are also available for rain barrels, cisterns, permeable pavers and pavement removal. Visit www.rockvillemd.gov/rainscapes to learn more and apply.
- Learn more about organic lawns at montgomerycountymd.gov/lawns.