Lawn and Yard Fertilizing Services MN
Do The Green Thing! Fertilize Responsibly
Phosphorus is the primary nutrient that turns lakes green with algae. In an effort to reduce the amount of phosphorus (P) runoff into lakes and rivers, Minnesota became the first state in the U. S. to restrict the application of P fertilizer to turfgrass.
Other states poised to follow Minnesota’s lead
Currently Minnesota is the only state regulating the use of phosphorus fertilizer on lawns and turf. Phosphorus regulating rules or legislation is advancing in four states, Florida, Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin, all of which have used the Minnesota law as a reference.
Your Lawn and the Environment – Be phosphorus conscious!
Minnesota Phosphorus Fertilizer Law
As of January 1, 2005, fertilizers containing phosphorus could no longer be used on lawns in Minnesota.
The law requires use of phosphorus-free fertilizer on established lawns unless soil testing shows a need for phosphorus. Most garden centers and hardware stores carry phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers.
This is an expansion of the current state law that restricts the use of phosphorus in the Twin Cities metro area. There are three identifying numbers on a bag of fertilizer. Find the phosphorus content by looking for the middle number. It should be zero (O).
Exemptions
Fertilizers containing phosphorus may be used on lawns if a soil test indicates that it is needed or if you are establishing a new lawn.
These restrictions do not apply to fertilizers used for agricultural crops, flower and vegetable gardening, or on golf courses by trained staff.
Will phosphorus free fertilizer keep my lawn healthy?
Soils in most parts of Minnesota already have an adequate amount of phosphorus to grow a healthy lawn. In these instances, adding more phosphorus in fertilizer is not needed and will not benefit your lawn.
What to look for
On any bag or box of fertilizer, there is a string of three numbers. The middle number indicates the phosphorus content and should read “O”.
What can you do to protect water quality?
Keep fertilizer off paved surfaces: It’s illegal to spread any fertilizer on hard surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, and driveways. Rain can wash the fertilizer into nearby storm drains or road ditches, eventually getting into a lake or river near you. If you accidentally spill or spread fertilizer on a hard surface, clean it up immediately.
Fertilizers, leaves, grass clippings, eroded soil, and animal waste are all sources of phosphorus. When they are swept or washed into the nearest street or storm drain, they end up in your local lake or river. You can do your part to protect water quality by doing the following:
- Follow Minnesota’s phosphorus lawn fertilizer law.
- Keep leaves and lawn clippings out of your gutters, streets, and ditches.
Sweep It Up!
Grass clippings and leaves left on streets and sidewalks are a major source of phosphorus pollution in lakes and rivers.
- Never wash or blow soil or grass clippings into the street.
- Pick up pet waste promptly. Pet waste can contain harmful bacteria as well as nutrients that cause excess algae and weed growth in lakes and rivers.
- Control soil erosion around your house. When left bare, soil is easily washed away with rain, carrying phosphorus with it. Soil erosion can be prevented by keeping soil covered with vegetation or mulch.
Professional Fertilizing Services MN
A lawn and garden fertilizer program is scientifically designed to nurture the plants you want to thrive, while controlling weed growth and creating an environment in which harmful diseases and insects do not want to live.
A fertilizer specialists will examine your lawn and gardens, assess the health of your plants, measure thatch depth, note any weeds, insects or diseases that might be present, and do a soil analysis. Based on their findings, they will create a fertilization program to provide the nutrients necessary for your lawn and gardens to flourish.