Recommended Lawn-Care for Water Quality Protection

 Choose a low or no P fertilizer.

• Apply a product with an N‐P‐K formulation of 26‐0‐3.

Choose fertilizer designed for lawns.

• The word “lawn or turf” should be on the label. “All purpose” formulations should be avoided for lawn use.

 Read and follow label directions.

• Apply at the spreader setting recommended on product label. Do not apply if heavy rainfall is expected.

Use a drop or rotary spreader with deflector shield to keep fertilizer on lawn.

• Keep fertilizer, leaves and other organic matter off of walks and driveways to reduce loss to storm sewers and streams.

 Mow lawn at the highest setting and leave the grass clippings on the lawn.

• Mowing high allows the grass to develop a deep root system that retains and uses water more efficiently. Returning clippings recycles nutrients.

Fertilize in spring after first cutting and once again in the fall between Labor Day and Halloween.

• Only apply fertilizer when grass is growing enough to be mowed.

Soil tests can help identify if other nutrients are needed.

• Contact your County Extension office.