FERTILIZER USE
Some folks like to have the nicest looking lawn in their neighborhood, but it’s important to be sure that fertilizer is applied sparingly and caringly. And it should stay on your lawn and not get into the storm sewer system where it affects our streams and lakes. Excess amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus can cause blooms of algae in our lakes and rivers.
Soil Testing
Did you know that most lawns in Ohio already have enough nutrients without fertilizers? A simple soil test will tell you if you need to add nutrients. If you do want to fertilize, use a no- or low-phosphorus fertilizer, and select a slow-release fertilizer where at least half of the nitrogen is water insoluble.
Protect Our Waterways
Don’t let your fertilizer wash away into the storm sewers where it will end up in streams and lakes. If we get rain right after you fertilize, you’ll watch your investment flow right to the storm sewers, and fertilizer does not belong in our water ways. Do use a broom to sweep excess or spilled fertilizer off the sidewalks and back onto your lawn, don’t use a hose that will wash fertilizer into the street and then into sewers.
Algae Overgrowth
Some algal growth is natural and is part of the food chain, but overgrowth can block sunlight through the water and can form mats of algae that clog water inlets. Certain types of algae release toxins that are harmful to people. As algae decay, they use up oxygen in the water that fish, frogs, and other wildlife need.
Eco-Wise Lawn Maintenance
There are ways to keep a lawn green and healthy that are low cost and ecologically sound. When you mow, leave the grass at least 3 inches tall, and leave the clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings will quickly break down and enrich the soil. You can also make your own organic fertilizer in a home compost bin. Kitchen waste like vegetable peels and eggshells, combined with leaves and grass clippings will create a rich compost that will keep a lawn or garden healthy and growing.
