Caring for your Landscape, Waterways, and Neighborhood one Leaf at a time

Henry Adams put it best when he stated:

 “Chaos was the law of nature; Order was the dream of man.”

Lawns grow into disorder, leaves fall, and we strive to categorize, organize, and beautify. Although lawn and tree maintenance is crucial for the look and feel of your property, the consequences can be catastrophic on our natural resources.  Poorly executed lawn and tree care pose immense threats on the state’s, and country’s waterways, and  hastens disease and pest spread worldwide. It is not only our duty at Mack Landscape Management, LLC. to inform you of Pennsylvania state legislation, regulatory action by the state’s EPA, and keep you updated on the most eco-friendly management techniques available, but to also responsibly offer these services to all of our clients!

Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, and your local municipalities have and most likely will pass more stringent regulations on how we dispose of your yard waste, water your lawns, and care for your property. PA Act 101 stipulates that no municipality over 5,000 residents can lawfully throw away plant material with general trash nor be burned in piles. This is because plant material then ends up in landfills, decomposing and producing mass amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas. Burning of leaves in fall adds to air pollution and carbon releasing which is also a greenhouse gas. Leaves should not be piled and left near waterspouts, drains, and sewers because of the acidic content during decomposition which leads to water pollution. Using non-potable water to irrigate your landscape is highly illegal in most counties, and irrigation should be closely monitored to ensure you water the correct amount and avoid flooding, as well as save on your water bill every month. 

Ordinances in most townships dictate that no grass clippings, leaves, or any other organic material be blown into the street because grass clippings contain high amounts of quick releasing nitrogen. This leads to quick algae growth in streams, ponds, and lakes. Over fertilization of your yard can also attribute to water pollution, animal death, and increased pest problems. Mack Landscape Management, LLC. can help you comply to these, as well as contribute to your community by setting up a yearly soil test, building your own personal composter, or simply removing the waste and disposing of it at the proper facilities for you. We are also happily complying with increased regulation. Mack Landscape Management, LLC. must now inform dumping sites of where and when the leaf, twig, or wood waste came from and was removed. Most townships have monthly collection days for all yard waste in accordance with Act 101. For those of you that need more than that, Mack Landscape Management, LLC. will lend a helping hand.

Further, we encourage soil testing here at MLM. We believe that additives should reflect what your soil lacks and not be utilized to push new growth and color despite damage to soils, waterways, and your other plants. We also believe in composting your grass clippings. It is proven that leaving grass clippings in your yard provides as much nutrients as general grass fertilizer. As your soils absorb plant material, it replenishes nutrients; benefits soil structure, and fertility. The most important barrier against and the largest contributor to water pollution is soil. The scientific community has made great strides in understanding how our “dirt” functions, renews itself, and benefits our groundcovers, and is the single greatest factor in water conservation. Maintaining a healthy soil structure, suitable or viable plant material in such soils, and the care above and below our grass-laden yards will make our communities much more sustainable.

Laws not only focus on water conservation but air quality. Since trees are natural air purifiers, our local, state, and federal governments take great measures to limit the spread of pests that threaten our forests and urban tree communities. Firewood is a serious contributor to the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer (see previous post,) the Asian Longhorned Beetle which attacks hardwood tree species, and the Sirex Wood Wasp whom spread throughout the North-East killing hundreds of pine stands. Our employees are familiar with these threats, treatments, and PREVENTION so give us a call.

So schedule a consultation today and let us turn the chaos into order. Let us help you go a little greener!

-J.DeLone

Township Links:
Lower Merion Township
Haverford Township
Radnor Township
Tredyffrin Township

Useful & Supportive Articles:
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Guides to Protecting your Water & Conserving your Land
Lower Merion Planting Guide for Varying Soil Conditions
Pennsylvania Trees Organization
Pennsylvania Act 101

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