Lawn Care
Overview
Minnesotans take great pride in their green lawns, but did you know there are ways to achieve a perfect lawn without creating harmful impacts to the surrounding environment?
Lawn Care and Water Conservation
- Only water when it is cool. In the morning or in the evening. When it is hot outside water will evaporate quickly. 4am-6am
- Don’t discharge your lawn wastes into the storm sewer.
- Cover exposed soil. Seeding an area of soil will help prevent erosion and weeds. Spread seed in the spring to allow for natural watering. Mulch is useful in areas with high shade and around trees.
- Mow your grass higher. Set your lawn mower at 3 inches. This will prevent weeds from growing in and keep your grass greener. Lawn trimmings should stay on your lawn through composting and not deposited into the streets.
Lawn Care and Fertilizer
- “just one pound of phosphorus in the water can cause 500 pounds of algae growth”
- Minnesota soils contain enough phosphorus to keep lawns healthy.
- Too much phosphorus causes algae growth in lakes, ponds, and streams. Blue green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms are harmful and contain toxins or other noxious chemical which can cause health risks to pets, livestock, and people.
- The middle number of the three on a fertilizer bag should read 0 (Ex. 30-0-15).
Tips to Properly Apply Fertilizer
1. Carefully and accurately follow instructions for application of fertilizer
2. Do not wash fertilizer spills into the streets. Sweep and dispose into the trash.
3. Close the gate on the spreader when crossing over sidewalks or driveways.
4. Rinse the spreader in the lawn.
5. Test your soil before purchasing fertilizer