ELIMINATE POLLUTANTS

5. Be Smart About Lawn Care

Fertilizers, leaves, grass clippings, animal waste, and eroded soil are all sources of phosphorus. When they are swept or washed into the street or nearest storm drain, they end up in a nearby​ stream or the lake. Lawn care practices can have a big impact on water quality and the environment.​

image Source Midwestglaciallakes.org

Follow these tips for smart lawn care with water quality in mind.​

  • Apply fertilizer at the recommended rate and time. Don’t fertilize before a storm. Never apply to frozen ground. Or better yet, skip the fertilizer altogether!​

  • Yard waste can contribute significant amounts of phosphorus to waterways. Keep soil, leaves, and lawn clippings out of the street, ditches, storm drains, and streams by bagging them, composting them, or leaving them right on the lawn as a natural fertilizer.​

  • Mow higher. Keep grass length to 2½ to 3 inches. It is healthier for your lawn and means you can mow less often!​

  • Pick up pet waste. Pet waste can contain harmful bacteria, as well as phosphorus. Flush it in the toilet or place it in the garbage.​

  • Build healthy soil using compost and other natural amendments. Healthy soils are more resistant to disease and insect problems.​

  • Learn about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and use pesticides sparingly and only when really needed. Do not apply pesticides as part of a ‘routine maintenance plan’. When use is needed, be sure to follow the label. Often the timing of the application is critical to its success. There are many organic products available at store—try these first—and only use chemicals as a last resort.