Less runoff from your lawn means less reaches your neighborhood stream. Think about improving the soils beneath your turf grass by restoring soil quality with deep aeration followed by a topdress of 1/2-3/4 since of compost, then seed. Your lawn will look greener, need less fertilizer, and soak more rainwater.
Lawns need to be periodically fertilized. However, when they are over-fertilized the plants gain no additional benefit, and the excess runs off lawns, down the street, into the storm sewer that drains into the local stream. That excess fertilizer pollutes that stream.
Thanks to the Iowa Storm Water Education Partnership, we have some tips for healthy lawn care:
- Develop a sustainable plan for lawn care and maintenance.
- Plan to plant new flowers and shrubs to revitalize landscaped areas and gardens.
- Plan a neighborhood trash pick-up day.
- Have your soils tested before even adding fertilizer to find out your lawn needs.
- Only use what you need. Most lawn soils have more than enough phosphorus. So go Phosphorus-free! Phosphorus is the second number of the formulation on a fertilizer bag.
- Sweep up excess fertilizer from sidewalks, streets, and driveways.
- Visit www.iowastormwater.org for more ideas.
Think sustainability for your outdoor living space. Spring is around the corner make plans now for a beautiful lawn and neighborhood.
Curious about native plants? Want to plant for pollinators? Check out our resources at www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/2517/Planting-for-Pollinators.
