50-74% of stormwater runoff is buffered from any lawn or impervious surfaces.
Invasive species (i.e. kudzu, privet, stilt grass, bittersweet) are either being removed or are not present. Invasive/exotic plants are removed or avoided.
Native plants are incorporated into the landscape.
All trash from the property is disposed of properly and not left on the ground.
Grass clippings are left in place or composted. Improper disposal of grass clippings includes bagged with plastic and trashed, or blown into streets and storm drains.
The lawn is mowed no shorter than three inches.
Sprinklers are adjusted to avoid hitting paved surfaces and calibrated to only provide enough water for plant needs. If using septic, NO sprinklers should be used within the septic drain field.
All downspouts are directed onto a lawn or garden rather than into drainage channels, onto impervious surfaces, or into waterways.

There is a pollinator garden with at least three species blooming throughout each season (spring, summer, and fall).
Personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and all toxic substances (including automotive vehicle fluids) are recycled and disposed of in accordance with EPA recommended practices.
If you use mulch: Acceptable options include organic pine straw, pine bark, leaves, or hardwood mulch without added dyes.
If you have a swimming pool: The backwash and drainage is buffered so it doesn’t enter a waterway.
If you have a pet: All animal waste is collected and disposed of in the trash, composted, or buried a minimum of 10 feet from stormwater access points or waterways.
If you use pesticides/herbicides: Only affected areas are spot treated using environmentally friendly pesticides/herbicides, such as horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps.
If you have a septic tank: The system is working properly and is inspected regularly to prevent drainage from entering any waterways. Look for evidence of possible leaks, which may appear in the form of green spots in the lawn or mushy soil.
If your property touches a waterway, stream, or other water conveyance: Begin creating a buffer zone of native plants that is not maintained by mowing, fertilizers, or pesticides along the waterway.