In an effort to protect water quality in the area we are asking all residents to consider using no-phosphorous lawn fertilizer. It is estimated that just one pound of phosphorous in the water will produce 500 pounds of blue-green algae. Much of the phosphorus you apply actually runs off the lawn before penetrating the soil. That means that it gets into the lakes and streams contributing to the glue-green algae bloom and the growth of other aquatic plants. Blue-green algae not only stinks but can be toxic to animals and children. When the algae bloom decays, it reduces the oxygen in the water and can cause fish kills. Phosphorus run-off from feed lots, agricultural land and lawns is the main contributor to phosphorus in lakes. The best time to fertilize is May and early June (now). Your lawn does not need phosphorus! Unless you have a newly seeded lawn most soil provides all the phosphorus your established lawn needs.
