lawncare

Lawncare

· Fertilizers

Our lawns can pollute our waterways. Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides may be the solutions for a beautiful lawn and garden, but they can cause environmental problems to our lake and streams. Fertilizers contain nitrogen and phosphorus, two elements which increase plant growth in water as well as on land. When fertilizer gets into the water, it can cause excess plant and algae growth which robs the oxygen from the water, causing fish and other aquatic life to suffocate and die!

Select slow--release fertilizers to gradually feed plants. These products should contain little or no phosphorus. The numbers on the labels of fertilizers will help you identify which are low in phosphorus. The numbers indicate the percentages of nitrogen-phosphorous-and potassium as potash. Low phosphorous brands have ratings on their labels such as 23-0-6, 30-4-4 or 26-4-4.Fertilizers containing abundant nitrogen (46-0-0, 33-0-0) are not recommended because they are highly soluble and can readily wash away or enter groundwater

Other Fertilizer Tips

§ Water sparingly after any fertilizer application to avoid causing contaminated runoff.

§ Fertilize in September or October to promote root growth rather than top growth. Deep roots withstand drought and resist disease. Strong roots store food produced in the grass blades for use in early spring. Use fertilizers sparingly. Over fertilizing actually encourages certain insects and diseases and increases maintenance needs.

§ Separate fertilizers from pesticides. "Weed and feed" combined products often add unnecessary herbicides to the landscape.

§ Use compost as an alternative to fertilizer. Compost contributes organic matter and gradually releases nutrients to the soil.

§ Do not apply fertilizer within 50 feet of a water body, including streams, ponds and impoundments.

§ Avoid applying fertilizer to paved surfaces. If any fertilizer is spread on sidewalks or driveways, sweep it off before watering

Michigan State University Turfgrass Science: (http://www.turf.msu.edu) – This is a comprehensive site on the every aspect of fertilizers from what they are to how to apply them.