Consider some of these useful tips outside your home to prevent pollution, conserve resources and save money. The following are some ideas for your lawn and garden.

• If you have a gas mower, cut the grass in the morning or evening to minimize the creation of ground level ozone.

• Mow your lawn to three inches to prevent weed growth and slow the speed of grass growth to lessen mowing frequency. Shorter grass does not shade weed seeds and grows faster.

• To improve the quality of your lawn, aerate and then thatch your lawn in early summer. Apply compost, organic fertilizer or a slow release fertilizer two times a year in spring or fall.

• Water only when your lawn shows drought stress, then water deeply, providing one inch per week in one or two waterings, preferably in the early morning.

• Never water heavily after spreading fertilizer. The water will carry it to nearby streams and could cause contamination.

• When applying seed or sod, select high-quality, site appropriate grass types.

• Instead of hosing your driveway, sweep it off. This prevents pollutants and trash from seeping into the lawn and saves water.

• Grow pest and drought-resistant plants, shrubs and trees such as natives.

• Mix varieties of flowers, shrubs and trees in your yard. Planting only one type makes them more susceptible to disease.

Only use pesticides like insecticidal soaps and bacillus thuringiensis/bt.

• Use a soil test for garden areas to determine when to fertilize.

• Do not grow the same types of plants (e.g. tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) in the same place each year.

• When watering plants, use a hand-held hose or timer-controlled automatic sprinkler instead of just an automatic sprinkler to prevent overwatering.

• Create your own compost pile in the backyard.

• Use grass clippings in your garden to prevent weed growth.

• Plant trees around your house to provide shade.

• Avoid storing wood near buildings.

Ron Fodor is manager of the Butler County Conservation District.