Water Wise: Spring Cleaning for Lawns & Green Infrastructure

As winter fades and residents begin preparing their yards and gardens for spring, it’s a great time to think about how everyday maintenance choices affect the management of stormwater runoff.
A lush, green garden in a backyard, with a wooden rain barrel collecting rain in the foreground Well-maintained rain gardens and rain barrels are great ways to help control stormwater at home!

Thoughtful lawn care and simple upkeep around green infrastructure can go a long way in preventing localized flooding and protecting Pittsburgh’s rivers and streams. We’ve compiled some simple steps you can take this spring to help keep our water clean and our green infrastructure thriving!

Carefully Clear Out Debris

Winter often leaves behind piles of leaves, branches, litter, and sediment around drains, gutters, and stormwater features. Clearing this debris helps prevent blockages that can lead to localized flooding, especially during heavy spring rains.

  • Gather and properly utilize or dispose of yard debris which may have collected over the winter.
  • Remove noticeable debris and litter that may be near storm drains around your home.
  • Keep gutters and downspouts clear and free‑flowing.

Use Fertilizer Sparingly

If you must use fertilizer, choose slow‑release or organic products and follow the instructions carefully. Fertilizers contain nitrogen and phosphorus which are great for plants, but can be washed away into our streams and rivers when it rains. These nutrients can cause excessive growth of algae and aquatic weeds, reducing the amount of oxygen in the water, which can harm fish and aquatic wildlife.

Plant with Purpose

Native plants are a powerful ally in stormwater management. They are hardy, require less maintenance to thrive, and their deep root systems absorb more water than turf grass – plus they provide habitats for pollinators!

  • Consider adding native flowers, shrubs, or grasses to enhance your yard’s resilience.
  • Mulch garden beds to reduce erosion, retain moisture, and improve soil health.

Water Wisely

Spring weather can be unpredictable. Water your lawn and garden only when needed, as excess watering can lead to fertilizers and debris flowing into storm drains.

  • Rely on rain whenever possible.
  • Early morning watering helps plants thrive while minimizing evaporation.
  • Direct downspouts into at-home rain gardens, landscaped areas, or dedicated rain barrels to help stormwater on your property slowly collect and absorb, rather than quickly wash away and lead to flooding.

Be a Neighbor to Green Infrastructure

Across Pittsburgh neighborhoods, you may find Pittsburgh Water-maintained green infrastructure, like bioswales and rain gardens, designed to capture stormwater where it falls. You can support these systems by:

  • Keeping nearby areas free of litter and yard waste.
  • Avoiding the use of herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers around them.
  • Reporting damage or standing water to Pittsburgh Water so our crews can address issues promptly.

Every Yard Can Help Protect Our Communities & Rivers

Spring is the perfect time to refresh not just our homes, but our connection to the environment. By adopting simple maintenance habits and being mindful about how we care for our lawns and gardens, we can all play a part in reducing stormwater runoff and protecting Pittsburgh’s waterways!