Homeowner and Landscape Tips

There are many simple things homeowners and landscapers can do to help reduce runoff, erosion, sediment and phosphorus entering Stockbridge Bowl.

1. Fertilizer Use: Don’t Feed Aquatic Weeds

Fertilizer is a “growing” problem for lakes, rivers and streams, especially if it is not used properly.

If you use too much fertilizer or apply it at the wrong time, it can easily wash off your lawn or garden and into Stockbridge Bowl. Just like in your garden, fertilizer in lakes encourages plant and algae growth.

If you do use fertilizer, choose one with a very low or zero phosphorus level, and use only as much as your lawn or garden actually needs.

2. Vegetate Exposed Soils

Plant grass, ferns or other ground cover on exposed soils.

Bare soil is easily eroded during rainstorms and snowmelt. Once soil begins moving with runoff, it can carry sediment and phosphorus into nearby streams and ultimately into Stockbridge Bowl.

If using compost or mulch, do so lightly and in a manner that keeps it from washing into the lake or a nearby stream.

3. Shoreline Buffers

Vegetation along the shoreline provides a last chance to capture sediment or phosphorus traveling in runoff before it reaches the lake.

Forested areas can absorb significantly more rainfall than grass or turf. The deeper roots of shrubs and trees also capture phosphorus traveling underground in saturated soils and help hold shoreline soils in place.

Populate your shoreline buffer with shrubs that flower or fruit. Native trees, shrubs, ferns and groundcovers can provide an attractive landscape while helping protect the lake.

Buffer bonus: shoreline shrubs and trees can discourage geese from coming onto your lawn while providing habitat for frogs, toads, turtles, birds and other wildlife.

4. Reduce Impervious Surface Areas

Creating as little as 10–20% impervious surface area on a residential property can double the rate of runoff from the site.

Roofs, paved driveways, patios and other hard surfaces prevent rainwater from soaking naturally into the ground. Instead, water moves quickly across these surfaces, picking up sediment and pollutants along the way.

Where possible, reduce paved and other impervious areas and allow stormwater to soak into vegetated areas on your property.

5. Lawn Care – Mow High & Let Clippings Lie

Healthy lawns can help absorb rainfall and reduce erosion.

Mowing your lawn higher encourages deeper roots and healthier turf. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn allows nutrients to return naturally to the soil and can reduce the need for additional fertilizer.

Avoid mowing all the way to the shoreline. Maintaining taller vegetation and natural plantings near the water provides greater protection for Stockbridge Bowl.

6. Rain Barrels

Roof runoff is typically discharged at one or two key points around the home, and the force of that water can create ditches or gullies in the lawn.

A rain barrel can capture water from your roof before it becomes runoff. The collected water can then be used later for gardens and landscaping.

Rain barrels not only conserve water, but also help reduce the amount and force of stormwater flowing across your property.

7. Septic Systems – Check It, Fix It, Maintain It

When your home septic system fails, remember — it doesn’t just fail at home.

A poorly maintained or failing septic system can allow nutrients and other pollutants to reach groundwater and nearby surface waters.

Have your septic system inspected and pumped regularly, know where your system and leach field are located, and address problems promptly.

Proper septic-system maintenance protects your property, your family and Stockbridge Bowl.