Fertilizer: a top cause of lakeshore erosion and water pollution

Fertilizer run-off is one of the top three causes of lakeshore erosion and water pollution.
Be sure to:

• Make a 5- to 10-foot buffer strip adjacent to any water body and apply minimal or no fertilizer to this strip.
  At least 25 to 35 % of the nitrogen should be a slow-release form.

• Organic-based nitrogen fertilizers will provide slow release. Other types of fertilizers can be formulated to provide slow release of nitrogen. Check the labels.

• Use a zero phosphorus fertilizer if phosphorus levels are adequate.

• Use 1 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year, depending on the quality of lawn you desire.

• Use no more than 1 pound per 1,000 square feet of nitrogen per application.

• Use lower nitrogen amounts for shaded areas.

• Don’t apply fertilizer in the spring until 3 weeks after lawn green-up.
  

  Many thanks! Let's keep Diamond Lake beautiful, safe, and clean!