Think before you fertilize: Keeping a green lawn while protecting the community

Content sponsored by the Jefferson County Public Information.

Maintaining that putting-green-perfect lawn is a goal for a lot of homeowners and community members, but the pursuit of perfect turf can lead to the excessive use of fertilizers, potentially causing unintended consequences for the environment and Jefferson County water reclamation facilities.

Jefferson County is required to meet many EPA discharge standards, and the removal of phosphorus, found in many fertilizers, is one of the costliest processes.

The Role of Phosphorus in Lawn Care

Phosphorus, while a key nutrient that supports the healthy growth of plants – including lawns – can be toxic when used in excess, causing it to be washed away by rainwater or irrigation, and ending up in streams, rivers and lakes. Once there, the phosphorus sucks up the oxygen in the water, causing fish and other aquatic organisms to suffer. Common consequences of phosphorus run-off include fish kills — a localized die-off of fish populations— and algae blooms, both of which are toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

Help Us Help You

You can play a big role in helping Jefferson County mitigate these environmental impacts by doing the following:

Test Your Soil

• A soil test will let you know what nutrients your lawn really needs and will help you avoid the overapplication of phosphorus.

Follow Directions

• Use fertilizers according to the manufacturer’s instructions and opt for slow-release or controlled-release formulations that will reduce the potential for runoff.

Look for Phosphorus-Free Fertilizers

• If your soil test shows sufficient levels of phosphorus look for a fertilizer that is phosphorus free.

Plant Buffer Zones

• If you live near a creek or stream, plant a buffer zone of native plants around the water to absorb runoff before it reaches the water.

Taking these four steps will not only help keep our lakes and rivers cleaner, but it will contribute to a healthier and more sustainable lawn that will still be the envy of your neighbors.

To learn more about what’s happening in Jefferson County and how you can get involved in the community, visit their website .

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