Environmental Tip #41

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This is Environmental Tip #41 explaining that mulching is an effective way to reduce stormwater runoff in yards because mulch is porous and lets rainwater seep into the ground. It lists common mulching materials (grass, hay, wood chips, wood fibers, straw, or gravel) and describes benefits including soil stabilization, reduced runoff velocity, improved infiltration, seed and topsoil protection, moisture retention, and root insulation. The tip reminds residents that small household changes can improve watershed water quality and that land actions affect the Corsica River and the Chesapeake Bay (www.corsicariver.com).

mulching stormwater runoff erosion control soil stabilization infiltration yard maintenance Corsica River Chesapeake Bay

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ENVIRONMENTAL TIP #41
DID YOU KNOW mulching is another method of reducing stormwater runoff
in your yards? Because mulch is porous, it allows rainwater to seep into the
ground and forms a firm ground cover, filtering pollutants and holding soil in its
place.
Mulching is an erosion control practice that uses materials such as grass, hay,
wood chips, wood fibers, straw, or gravel to stabilize exposed or recently planted
soil surfaces. In addition to stabilizing soils, mulching can reduce stormwater
velocity and improve the infiltration of runoff.
Mulching can also aid plant growth by holding seeds and topsoil in place,
preventing birds from eating seeds, retaining moisture, and insulating plant roots
against extreme temperatures.
By making small changes at the household level, water quality in the watershed
can be greatly improved.
Always remember that what we do on land affects the Corsica River
and the Chesapeake Bay – www.corsicariver.com