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LESS IS MORE: ALTERNATIVES TO GRASS <br />Let's make it clear up front: there is nothing wrong with having a lawn. Grass is one of <br />the toughest, most successful ground covers available. It is easy to grow, reduces dust, <br />cools the surrounding air, and it prevents wind and soil erosion. <br />However, sometimes we establish grass in areas that we don't actively use or in <br />areas that grass doesn't grow well, or are difficult to mow and maintain. These are the <br />areas where less is more. It is often better to utilize other plant materials for these areas: <br />flower beds, shrubs, no -mow ground covers, or mulch, such as wood chips. This makes <br />the area functional, maintainable, and environmentally -friendly. Part of a sustainable <br />landscape is analyzing how you use your lawn and the areas in which a different <br />type of ground cover would be better. <br />REDUCE INPUTS, REDUCE IMPACT <br />Inputs are anything you put into a landscape. This would include: pesticides, fertilizers, <br />water, money and labor. At times, we will need to rely on these inputs to help our plants <br />through weather, disease, insect infestation, or we may have to replace a plant altogeth- <br />er. The goal of sustainable landscaping is to reduce the need for these inputs as much <br />as possible, by working with basics - soil, plant selection, lawn use - and by thinking <br />ahead. <br />FOR MORE INFORMATION: <br />- Visit the University of Minnesota Extension Service's Sustainable Urban Landscape <br />Information Series at www.sustland.umn.edu <br />- Visit the University of Metro Watershed Partner's "Tips for Keeping Minnesota Water <br />Clean" at www.cleanwatermn.org <br />u <br />