With summer time weather comes the mowing and gardening season. It is important to remember not to blow grass clippings into the street. Grass clippings in the street ultimately end up in a storm drain were they can build up and cause drainage issues and localized flooding. It is also a violation of Township Code to blow grass clippings and other yard waste into the street. Keep grass clippings in the lawn and out of the street.

Did you know…

• Grass clippings and other yard waste blown and left in the street are a flooding and water quality concern.

Localized Flooding:    

• Grass clipping and other yard waste blown in the street can cause localized flooding by clogging curb inlets and pipes.

Water Quality:

• When yard waste is discarded within the stormwater drainage system, it will decompose. Decomposing yard waste can supercharge the creek with nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, causing algae blooms resulting in low dissolved oxygen. Severely low dissolved oxygen levels in creeks can cause fish kills. According to the U.S. EPA, phosphorus is one of the most troublesome pollutants in stormwater runoff and it is considered the primary cause of water quality problems in our waters. 
• Keeping grass clippings on your yard can save money on fertilizer by returning nutrients back into the soil and save money on watering by building organic matter in your soil.

In addition, it is important to keep in mind the rules and regulations of trees and vegetation. Trees and vegetation may not obstruct traffic control signs or fire hydrants.  It is the responsibility of property owners to make sure foliage is cleared in front of traffic signs or around hydrants.  Additionally, trees must be cut back three feet from the roadway and may not be less than fifteen feet above the roadway.