Sustainability for Residents

Understand Your Soil

A soil test tells you which nutrients your soil is missing. Understanding soil needs results in spending less on lawn chemicals that can run off and pollute waterways.

The K-State Extension Office offers a yearly free soil test for Johnson County residents.

Add Compost

Compost can loosen soil, minimize compaction, improve drainage and aeration and increase the nutrient-holding capacity of your soil. The organic matter in compost also provides food for microorganisms and earthworms to thrive in your soil.

Want to compost at home, but don’t know where to start?  Check out this Beginners Guide.

Mow High and Let it Lie

Mow your grass early in the morning or in the evening to avoid stressing grass during the hottest part of the day. Keeping your grass between three and four inches tall promotes deep roots, slows water evaporation and even reduces weeds and pests! 

Finally, leave your grass clippings where they are. They provide natural, free, fertilizer to your lawn. 

Water Deep and Water Less

Watering your lawn too often trains plants to keep their roots near the surface where they are susceptible to stress and disease. Try to water eight inches deep no more than once a week.

Investing in a soaker hose will deliver water slowly, preventing runoff, reducing evaporation and saving money on your water bill. 

Landscape with Native Plants and Shrubs

Native plants don’t need fertilizer! They also require less water and grow deep roots that help break up clay and promote water absorption. 

Native plants evolved relationships over time with native birds and pollinators. By planting native plants, you provide food and habitat for these important species.

Overland Park budgets funds for a cost share program to offset the costs of stormwater management projects that capture, slow down or soak up stormwater close to its source.

Plant a Tree

Well-maintained trees reduce air and water pollution, create shade, save on your electric bill and may increase property values. 

According to the Department of Energy, a well-placed tree can save a household up to 25 percent on energy bills. The City maintains a list of trees approved for planting in the public right-of-way that notes characteristics, heights, and planting recommendations for trees adapted to our environment.

Pick up after your pet

Pet waste washes into storm drains, ditches and lakes, traveling miles through the water. Harmful bacteria in pet waste can contaminate the water. Keep waterways clean with these best practices:

• Always clean up after your pet,
• Take advantage of the complimentary waste bags offered at parks and along greenways,
• Carry extra bags when walking your pet, and offer extra bags to owners who are without their own bags.

Check your vehicles for leaks

When it rains, runoff carries pollutants, including oil, antifreeze, gas, transmission fluid and other products down storm drains, contaminating our rivers, streams and lakes. Small leaks and drips add up.

Conduct proper maintenance if you notice your vehicle leaking.

Wash your car responsibly

Taking your car to a commercial car wash ensures used water drains responsibly.

Soapy water from cars washed on streets and driveways flow into our waterways. If you must wash your car at home, use biodegradable, phosphate-free cleaners, and only wash in an area that absorbs water such as gravel or grass.

Use lawn chemicals wisely

Lawn chemicals include fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides used in lawn and garden care. When improperly applied, toxins run off into streams and waterways, harming wildlife and contaminating our drinking water. 

Apply only what you need and allow ample drying time before the next rainstorm.

Walking

Choosing to walk instead of relying on motorized vehicles decreases air pollution and conserves energy, promoting a more sustainable environment.

Bikes + Scooters

Not traveling far? Opt to ride your bike or hop on an e-bike or scooter! More than 120 miles of bike lanes and dozens of miles of bike trails weave through Overland Park, connecting the City’s parks, neighborhoods, schools and recreation facilities.

Public Transit

Explore public transportation options available in Overland Park! Use the Transit mobile app to route a trip using a combination of walking, biking and public transit with direction and real-time transit status.