Page 19 - Town of Rocky Hill Summer 2025

Community Development and Public Works
Just Mow and go
grasscycling. it’s only natural.
Grasscycling simply means recycling grass clippings – but instead of collecting your grass clippings as you mow and placing them in paper lawn bags
or in reusable containers for curbside recycling collection, you can recycle your grass clippings right in your own yard. It’s fast, easy and simple.
Through mowing at proper intervals, grasscycling produces short grass particles that fall to the soil surface and quickly break down. The result, the release of valuable nutrients that fertilize the lawn and the added organic matter that conserves moisture and protects against temperature extremes. Grasscycling eliminates the need to use commercial fertilizers and reduces the amount
of yard trim materials that must be collected and processed by the County.
why grasscycle?
●■ Save time. Grasscycling typically cuts the time spent on lawn chores by 40 percent.
●■ Feed your lawn. Grasscycling protects and nourishes your lawn, eliminating the need to use commercial fertilizers.
●■ Protect the environment. Grasscyling protects our waterways by slowing runoff from rain and melting snow, preventing soil erosion, and trapping sediments and chemicals.
●■ Reduce costs. Grasscycling reduces the need to buy commercial fertilizers, and lawn care service providers may charge less if you ask them to stop bagging your grass clippings and pass the savings on to you.
start grasscycling today!
Why collect grass clippings, place them in reusable containers or paper bags, and drag them to the curb, when you can simply leave the clippings on the lawn? For the best results, just follow these easy steps:
●■ Sharpen mover blades at least once a year.
Dull blades can shred grass, causing browning and a ragged appearance – and creating an entryway for disease.
●■ Make sure the grass is dry. Wet grass cuts poorly, clumps, and can clog your mower.
Public Works
Brush PickuP (for residential homeowners only)
Brush pickup happens three times: SPRING: Week of April 14–18, 2025
SUMMER: Week of July 14–18, 2025
FALL: Week of September 15–19, 2025 Brush may also be brought to the Transfer Station at 59 Old Forge Road year-round during their hours of operation.
●■ Mow when the grass needs cutting. Mow at least once a week, cutting the grass before or when it reaches a height of 4 inches (or 1.5 inches for Bermuda and Zoysia grass). If your grass starts to clump, you’ll know you waited too long to cut.
●■ Follow the “One-Third Rule.” Never cut more than one-third of the length of the blade of grass at one time. Set the mower’s blade height at about 3 inches (or about 1 inch for Bermuda and Zoysia grass).
●■ If you frequently water, water appropriately. Water your lawn only when necessary – when grass loses color, becomes dull or doesn’t spring back when you walk on it. Provide about one inch of water per week, preferably in the early morning when less water is lost to evaporation.
●■ Consider a mulching mower. Any lawnmower can grasscycle, all you need to do is remove the bag. Mulching mowers cut grass clippings into smaller pieces that decompose even more quickly.
●■ Tell your landscaper. Landscaping contractors can grasscycle too. They may be happy to save the time and effort to bag clippings – and may charge less if you ask.
Don’t Fall for Myths: get the Facts.
Myth: Grasscycling causes ugly thatch that will ruin my lawn.
Fact: Excessive thatch is composed of grass roots, not grass clippings. Thatch build-up is caused by improper fertilization and short, frequent watering that encourages root systems to remain shallow.
Myth: Grasscycling looks messy.
Fact: Grass is composed of up to 86 percent water, so short grass clippings disappear within a day or two. When a lawn is properly mowed and watered, grasscycling actually creates a greener, healthier looking lawn.
Myth: Grasscycling causes lawn disease.
Fact: Grass clippings won’t increase the risk of disease for a properly maintained lawn. Disease are caused by improper watering and fertilizing.
trAnsFer stAtion hours:
March 6–December 27, 2025
Thursday–Friday, 7:00am–2:00pm Saturdays, 7:00am–1:00pm
contacts:
Departmental Phone:
860-258-2766 (Community Development & Public Works)
860-258-2733 (Building Dept.)
Stephen Sopelak, PE – Director of Public Works & Community Development and Town Engineer
860-258-7672
Joe Lentini – Field Operations and Highway Superintendent
860-258-2766
Jason Scott – Civil Engineer/Inspection Coord. 860-258-7674
Kim Ricci – Town Planner / Zoning Enforcement Officer
860-258-2761
Dave Palmberg – Environmental Specialist/ Land Surveyor
860-258-7675
Mike Violette – Building Official
860-258-7673
Steve Kardys – Asst. Building Official
860-258-7676
Elton Mancura – Asst. Building Official 860-258-2745
Building Permits
Construction season is upon us. Just a reminder, Building Permits are required for all new construction, alterations and repairs, even if you perform the work yourself. Questions, call 806-258-2733.
shreD-it eVents (residents only)
Each resident is permitted to bring up to 2 copy paper sized boxes or brown paper bags of material to be shredded. Driver’s license required for proof of residency. Paper Only (no binders).
Dates: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 9:00am–1:00pm
Location: West Hill School, 95 Cronin Drive
19