When fertilizer is over-applied to any landscape it is often washed into our streams, lakes, and rivers during storms via stormwater runoff.
When fertilizer is over-applied to any landscape it is often washed into our streams, lakes, and rivers during storms via stormwater runoff.
Fertilizers contain essential nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen that help grow healthy plants. However just like humans, plants can only absorb so many nutrients at a time causing the excess nutrients to remain unused in the soil.
The nutrient rich stormwater enters our waterways like Lake Champlain untreated and if levels reach excess amounts can cause blue-green algae blooms or other water quality issues.
Most lawns and gardens in Vermont do not need fertilizer.
Don’t guess, soil test! Testing your soil is easy and determines whether your soil needs any supplements. Unnecessary use of fertilizers and pesticides contribute to water pollution When you fertilize without needing to, you actually help things grow in the lake instead of in your lawn or garden.
To learn more lawn care tips that keep your lawn green while protecting our waters and Lake Champlain, check out http://www.lawntolake.org/