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5 Things to Know about Watershed Friendly Lawncare
To be declared one of the most nutrient-rich lakes is not a good thing. It means there it too much phosphorus, a nutrient found in common fertilizers that helps plants grow, flowing into the lake and helping harmful algae and other aquatic vegetation to grow. Here are some tips to maintain your lawn in a watershed friendly manner.
1. Do a Soil Test
This simple test will show if fertilizer is necessary for a lawn and which nutrients are needed for the health of the lawn.
2. Careful Fertilizing
Purchase fertilizer with zero phosphorus in the mixture.
3. Buffer Zones
Fertilizer should not be used within 10 to 25 feet of a waterway. Instead, plant native grasses and shrubs along the waterway that will trap pollutants and discourage geese from landing.
4. Let it Grow
Tall grass 3 – 3.5 inches high tolerates hot and dry conditions better and will have fewer weeds because it shades them out. Leave the clippings; it’s the best food for the grass and during the peak of summer heat, mow once every two weeks.
5. Water Responsibly
If mowed properly a lawn may not need water at all, but during the hot dry summer, lawns should receive 1 – 1.5 inches of water a week in the early morning. And water for short periods of time, such as 10-15 minutes, this helps to prevent runoff into the watershed.
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