1. Mow high: Longer grass is stronger grass. It shades the soil, prevents weed seed germination, grows deeper roots and better absorbs and filters rainfall.

2. Mulch clippings: Leave clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings quickly break down and return valuable nutrients and organic matter back into the soil where earthworms and microbes thrive. Rich soil helps absorb and filter rainfall, reducing erosion and runoff.

3. Test your soil: Check to see what your lawn or garden needs. Plants need the proper nutrients to thrive and prevent nutrients from running off.

4. Use the right fertilizer: Choose a lawn fertilizer that is phosphorus-free, unless a soil test shows a need for this nutrient.

5. Clean up: Keep grass clipping, leaves and fertilizer off of sidewalks, roadways and other hard surfaces and out of our waterways.