Fertilizing for a healthy lawn and clean water

Spring is the perfect time to fertilize your lawn but did you know that common lawn fertilizers can cause pollution? When fertilizers are improperly used they can harm our water. Fertilizers can accidentally be applied to natural drainage areas and will channel the fertilizer directly into our water systems. Also, if fertilizer falls on hard surfaces it can easily flow into storm drains.

Many people think that lawn care fertilizers are completely harmless but they can actually contribute to water quality problems. It is possible to have beautiful green grass and a positive effect on water quality! Your impact depends on how you manage your chemicals and landscaping. Here are a few easy tips to try for an organic and beautiful lawn:

Don’t Pick Up Your Grass Clippings

Don’t pick up your grass clipping, it’s less work for you and better for your lawn! Clippings are actually source of nutrients for your lawn. The nutrients will act as a natural fertilizer as the grass clippings break down. However, your grass clippings can’t get too long or it will cause more damage to your lawn.

Think Before You Water

If you need to water your lawn, make sure to water early in the day preferably before 9 a.m. Be sure to check the weather forecast to see if rain is in the near future. If possible collect rain water in a rain barrel and use it to water your plants and garden.

Fertilize With Compost

Try to compost! It’s as easy and as natural as you can get! Compost is a natural fertilizer that can enhance your soil.