Green Isn’t Always Good Be Wise When You Fertilize

Be wise when you fertilize

If you fertilize your lawn, practice the 4 Rs of Fertilization:

1. Right Type. Have your soil tested to determine fertilizer needs and choose a slow-release fertilizer.  Best Management Practice:Use phosphate-free organic fertilizer.

2. Right RateSoil test results will supply you with the appropriate fertilizer rate.  Do not exceed the recommended rate and never apply more than 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.  Best Management Practice: Use mulching blades on your mower and leave the grass clippings on the lawn.

3. Right Time. September is the best time to fertilize lawns when cool season grasses are actively growing.  Best Management Practice: Never apply fertilizer when rain and wind are in the forecast.

4. Right Place.  Proper fertilization techniques save money and protect waterways and wildlife.  Avoid fertilizing near streams, ditches, hard surfaces, and slopes.  Best Management Practice: Incorporate native plantings near streams, ditches, and slopes to better intercept pollutants before they enter waterways.

To learn more contact: Claire Posius, Euclid Creek Watershed Coordinator at 216-524-6580, ext. 16, cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org; www.EuclidCreekWatershed.org; www.cuyahogaswcd.org

Claire Posius

Euclid Creek Watershed Coordinator, Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District

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Volume 6, Issue 7, Posted 10:11 PM, 08.04.2014