In the News - August 2008
Fish, grass clippings a bad combination
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - Fish and grass clippings don't mix, said Trish Ouei,
Benton County extension agent and stormwater educator for the University of
Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"Most people do not realize that grass clippings play a role in the quality
of our water,"
she said. "One would think that something as natural as grass could not be
harmful, but that would be a mistake."
"Storm water is not cleaned by a water treatment plant; all the litter and
debris that go down the storm drains runs straight into our streams and lakes," Ouei said.
That's where the trouble begins.
"As the grass decays, it releases nitrogen and other nutrients into the
water," she said. "This is great for the aquatic plants, like algae, because it
allows the plants to grow and reproduce rapidly.
Unfortunately, more algae is not a good thing. As the algae dies and
decomposes, it uses oxygen dissolved in the water.
"That can cause large populations of fish to suffocate and die," she said.
There are some simple practices that can prevent grass clippings from
entering the storm drain.
"Try using the mulching option on your mower if possible," Ouei said. "This
chops the grass clippings up more finely and returns it to the yard, cutting
down on the amount of clippings being blown onto hard surfaces."
The finely chopped clippings also help hold moisture in the soil, so
homeowners can water less frequently.
If mulching the clippings is not an option, simply sweep up the clippings.
"Sweeping or blowing the grass clippings back onto the lawn off of the
streets, driveways, and sidewalks will help prevent them from being washed down
the storm drain during the next rain," she said.
"Fish will thank you for keeping the grass out of their water," Ouei said.
For more information on storm water, visit www.uaex.edu.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Division
of Agriculture.
August 22, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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