Heavy rains can overwhelm storm drains and cause erosion, particularly in areas with clay soils. Rain gardens are shallow depressions planted with deep rooted native plants that capture and filter runoff. Lebanon residents can use rain gardens and other stormwater management practices to protect their property and improve water quality.
Select a site where water naturally flows or where downspouts discharge. Mark the perimeter of the rain garden and dig a shallow basin that is two to six inches deep. Amend the soil with compost to improve infiltration. Choose native plants such as black eyed Susan, swamp milkweed and switchgrass that tolerate both wet and dry conditions. Space plants according to mature size and mulch the area to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Stormwater management goes beyond rain gardens. Redirect downspouts onto lawns or into rain barrels. Create swales or dry creek beds to slow runoff and increase infiltration. Avoid directing runoff onto neighboring properties or hard surfaces. Regularly clean gutters and check that downspouts are secure. By capturing and filtering stormwater on site you reduce the load on municipal systems and protect streams from sediment and pollutants.
Mowing practices are a cornerstone of lawn care. Set your mower blades high and remove no more than one third of the grass blade at a time. Taller grass shades the soil surface and makes it harder for weed seeds to germinate. Sharp blades produce a clean cut that heals quickly. Mow when the grass is dry and vary the mowing direction to reduce soil compaction.
Apply a slow release fertilizer only when grass is actively growing. Cool season grasses in Southwest Ohio begin active growth once soil temperatures reach about sixty degrees. For most Lebanon homeowners this means waiting until mid to late May. A soil test reveals nutrient levels and pH, helping you adjust with lime or sulfur if needed. Over fertilizing encourages rapid top growth at the expense of roots and can lead to runoff.
Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots. Most lawns require about one inch of water per week from rainfall or irrigation. Watering early in the morning reduces evaporation and disease risk. On heavy clay soils, divide the weekly irrigation into two or more sessions to allow absorption. Avoid daily sprinkling because it leads to shallow roots and higher weed pressure.
Core aeration relieves compaction by removing small plugs of soil and thatch. The holes allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate more deeply and stimulate root growth. Aeration is most effective when the lawn is actively growing and the soil is moist. For cool season grasses this is usually early fall, but severely compacted lawns may benefit from spring aeration. Leave the cores on the surface to break down naturally.
Healthy turf naturally suppresses many weeds, but monitoring and prompt control are still necessary. Apply a pre emergent herbicide in early spring to prevent annual weeds like crabgrass from germinating. Hand pull or spot treat broadleaf weeds while they are small. If you notice invasive weeds, address them quickly to prevent seeding and spreading. Integrated weed management combines cultural practices, manual removal and selective herbicides when needed.
Integrating rain gardens and other stormwater management practices benefits both your landscape and the environment. Lebanon homeowners who invest time in managing runoff help prevent erosion, support native plants and contribute to cleaner waterways.
Maintenance includes weeding, watering during dry periods in the first year and cutting back perennial stems in late winter. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for invasive species and remove them promptly to protect native plantings.
Lawn Impressions LLC is your trusted local lawn care expert serving Lebanon and surrounding areas. Located at 3407 Pennyroyal Road, Franklin, Ohio 45005, we've been treating Ohio's unique clay soil and climate challenges for over a decade.
We proudly serve Warren County, Butler County, and Montgomery County including: Franklin, Lebanon, Dayton, Springboro, Centerville, Beavercreek, Middletown, Hamilton, West Chester, and Cincinnati.
Call Lawn Impressions LLC today at (937) 748-9431 for your FREE estimate!
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