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Aside from creating problems for our lakes and streams, chemical lawn and gardening products have harmful effects on the lawn ecosystems they are used upon. For example, if beneficial pest predators like birds are poisoned along with the pests, the natural controls of the pest population are eradicated and the lawn becomes even more dependent on chemical fixes. When this problem is not restricted to one yard, and is a problem throughout an urban area it really adds up.

These reasons are why the responsible use of lawn and gardening products is extremely important. Organic alternatives are much healthier for the yard and for the environment. There are alternatives to intensive lawn care, including prairie restoration and similar natural habitat projects.

Many fertilizer materials, including leaves and grass clippings, contain nitrogen and phosphorus. When these nutrients wash into lakes and streams they:
• promote unsightly algae blooms and aquatic weed growth,
• lower dissolved oxygen levels in the water, and
• may release ammonia – which is toxic to fish.
This publication describes fertilizer practices that will help maintain healthy
lawns and gardens, while protecting water quality in your community.

A good fertilization program promotes healthy plants that are more resistant to drought, insects and diseases. Healthy plants can also compete with weeds and win they are also able to filter pollutants carried by runoff water.

Indiscriminate use of fertilizers, however, can damage plants and pollute lakes and streams. To maintain a healthy lawn and garden and protect our water resources, remember:
• Test the soil before planting a garden or fertilizing your lawn.
• Fertilize lawns in the fall for healthy lawns and deep roots.
• Healthy trees and shrubs do not require an annual fertilizer application.
• Sweep all fertilizers, soil, and vegetation off paved surfaces. Fertilizers, soil particles, grass clippings and leaves contain nitrogen and phosphorus which can cause nuisance weed and algae growth if washed through storm sewers into nearby waterways. In addition, decomposing leaves and grass clippings can rob streams and lakes of oxygen.
• Contact your county Extension office. Soil testing information and fertilizer recommendations for lawns and gardens, and suggestions for selecting the right plants, are available at your county Extension office.

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