Ground-level Ozone and Your Yard
Did you know that operating a typical gasoline-powered lawn mower for one hour produces the same amount of ground-level ozone forming pollution as driving an average car almost 200 miles?
There are many ways that you can help reduce ground-level ozone everyday. Here are some tips for reducing air pollution while maintaining your lawn and garden.
- Consider using less polluting gas-powered equipment.
- Consider purchasing electric equipment such as lawn mowers, weed eaters, and leaf blowers/vacuums.
- California has regulations requiring lower-emitting gas-powered lawn equipment in their state. This equipment is also sold outside of California. Contact you local equipment dealer and ask about the availability of this equipment.
- Use manual tools when possible.
- Consider purchasing manual equipment such as push reel mowers, rakes and hedge clippers.
- If you need to use gas-powered equipment, purchase equipment with a four-cycle engine instead of one with a two-cycle engine.
- Four-cycle engines emit less air pollution than two-cycle engines.
- Properly maintain your equipment.
- Follow the manufacturers guidelines for maintenance.
- Keep the underside of the mower deck clean.
- Maintain sharp mower blades.
- Periodically tune-up your equipment.
- Change the oil and clean or replace filters regularly.
- Reduce your mowing time.
- Use low maintenance turf grasses that grow slowly and require less mowing.
- Decrease your lawn area (mowing area) by planting more trees, shrubs and flowers.
- Join Show-Me Yards and Neighborhoods at www.springfieldmo.gov/community/smyn/
- This program has excellent "How To" tips to improve your yard and reduce pollution.