False! Over-fertilizing is a problem contributing to stormwater pollution in the Clinton River Watershed. Without realizing it, many landowners are also applying herbicides and pesticides when their lawns don't even need them!

While applying an appropriate amount of fertilizer is usually okay, it's important to take care when adding chemicals to your lawn so that we can keep our rivers, lakes and wildlife healthy.

Don't Guess... Soil Test!

Don't assume your plants need fertilizer. Perform a soil test. You'll save money and reduce the chance of over-applying by only replacing the nutrients your soil is actually missing. Most soils in Michigan have high levels of phosphorus, making the additions of phosphorus via fertilizer unnecessary. Michigan State University Extension offers easy-to-use soil nutrient testing boxes, and recommends a soil test every two or three years. To order lawn kit, call 248-858-0902 in Oakland County or 586-469-5180 in Macomb County.

Fertilizing Your Lawn

The Clinton River Watershed Council is an active participant in the Healthy Lawns and Gardens Technical Advisory Committee (HLGTAC) and a supporter of its earth-friendly fertilizer program. Use an Earth-friendly fertilzer. Earth-friendly fertilizers include products which meet these criteria: 50% or more of the nitrogen in slow-release form Low or no phosphorus (N to P ratio is 5:1 or greater) Pesticide free (no weed-and-feed) Click here for a list [pdf] of earth-friendly fertilizers and stores participating in the earth-friendly fertilzer sticker program in our watershed. Avoid "weed-and-feed" mixtures. These contain herbicides to control weed growth and are often applied where they aren't needed. If healthy lawn care practices are followed, weed control shouldn't be necessary. Combination fertilizer and weed control products oftern add unneccessary herbicides to the landscape. Herbicides may pose a threat to children, animals, plants and beneficial insects beyond the intended weeds or pests. Spot-treatment or hand-digging of weeds are better approaches for weed control. Sweep Up Fertilizer from Paved Surfaces Sweep fertilizer from sidewalks back onto the lawn. Fertilizer left on sidewalks and driveways can easily wash into storm drains, rivers and lakes. If possible, use a drop speader-not a rotary spreader. Healthy Lawn Care Practices Aerate Your Lawn Tightly packed soil restricts root growth and prevents water and fertilizer from penetrating the soil (increasing stormwater problems). Core aerators remove plugs of soil throughout the lawn. Holes give grass roots space to grow and helps prevent weed growth and thatch problems. Mow High/Leave Clips Be sure your mower is set to three inches to help shade out unwanted weeds. Tall grass promotes root growth and shades out weeds. Sharpen your mower blade at least once a year. Let short clippings fall back into the lawn. Clippings are a source of nitrogen, so fertilizer can be reduced by 25% or more. Water the Lawn to Minimize Disease and Insect Pests A green lawn in Michigan needs 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week, depending on the site and turf grass type. Overwatering causes more weed, disease and pest problems than underwatering. Install rain gauges and measure how much you are watering AND take control of your sprinkler system! Turn it off during adequate periods of rainfall. Rake Compost Into the Lawn Spread 1/2 inch of compost over an established lawn. Rake into the lawn, leaving 1/2 of the grass blade exposed to sunlight and air. Compost adds microorganisms, nutrients, and organic matter to help build fertile soil. Leave a "No Fertilizer" Buffer Zone Near Lakes & Rivers The recommended width for "no fertilizer" buffers is 10 to 25 feet, depending on the slope. Instead of turfgrass, plant native grasses or shrubs to trap pollutants and discourage Canadian geese.

General Resources for Lawn Care

A Guide to Selecting A Lawn Care Service [PDF, 390 KB]

Earth Friendly Fertilzers and Store Participants [PDF, 43 KB]
 
Fall Healthy Lawn Care Tips [PDF, 24 KB]

Healthy Lawn Care Tips-SOCWA [PDF, 2.3 MB]

Heathy Lawn and Garden Tips--SOCWA

How Often, How Much?

If you have fertilized in the fall, you will have a green lawn in the spring. Fall is the most important season for fertilizing. Additional fertilizer before May is rarely needed-never fertilize before the ground thaws. Never fertilize more than four times a year. Follow these guidelines (recommended by HLGTAC) for timing and frequency: Two applications/year (with clippings)- *late spring and fall Three applications/year (sodded with clippings)- *late spring, early fall and late fall Four applications/year (newly sodded, no clippings)- *late spring, early summer, early fall, late fall (If only once, fall.) Know the size of your lawn and adjust fertilizer spreader to apply the correct amount of fertilizer.

Pointers for Pesticide Use
Correct watering, mowing and fertilizing habits can reduce many pest problems. But if you do choose to treat for insects, it is essential that you know your enemy before you apply pesticides! If possible, hand pick the little buggers off the plants and identify the pest. The important part is to identify and treat only for the pests you have, at their most vulnerable stage.
For help identifying the bug that's been bugging you, call the Michigan State University Master Gardener Hotline. In Macomb, call 586-469-5063. In Oakland, call 248-858-0887. A general spraying of insecticide is ineffective, costly and may do more harm than good. Earth-friendly Weed/Pest Control Resources Audubon at Home Guide to Healthier Pest Control [PDF, 367 KB] Healthy Landscape Problem Solver

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