04/15/2026
To all residents and business owners in Hudson MA
Why grass clippings are a problem:
• Clogging: Grass clippings and leaves can block storm drains and sewer pipes, leading to localized flooding and drainage issues.
• Nutrient Pollution: When yard waste decomposes in waterways, it releases nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause excessive algae growth (algal blooms).
• Algal Blooms: Algal blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, harming fish and other aquatic life.
• Harmful Chemicals: Yard waste can also carry harmful chemicals like fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, which can further pollute waterways.
What to do instead:
• Bag or compost: Collect grass clippings and leaves in bags for curbside yard debris collection or compost them in your backyard.
• Mulch: Use a mulching mower to chop clippings into smaller pieces that can be returned to the lawn as a natural fertilizer.
• Leave clippings on the lawn: Grass clippings can decompose and return nutrients to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.
• Don't blow into the street: Avoid blowing or raking yard waste into streets or storm drains.
What's the problem with fertilizers?
Fertilizer is a "growing" problem for lakes, rivers, and streams, especially if it's not used carefully. If you use too much fertilizer or apply it at the wrong time, it can easily wash off your lawn or garden into storm drains and then flow into lakes or streams. Just like in your garden, fertilizer in lakes and streams makes plants grow. In water bodies, extra fertilizer can mean extra algae and aquatic plant growth. Too much algae causes water quality problems and makes boating, fishing, and swimming unpleasant. As algae decay, it uses up oxygen in the water that fish and other wildlife need.
Clean Water Tips:
How can you fertilize and help keep our waters clean?
• Use fertilizer sparingly. Many plants don't need as much fertilizer or need it as often as you might think.
• Don't fertilize before a rain storm.
• Consider using organic fertilizers. They release nutrients more slowly.
Visit our website at https://www.townofhudson.org/stormwater and click on Education and Outreach for more information.
