In the spring, homeowners begin buying lawn fertilizer. Although we hope you’re decreasing the size of your lawn and only fertilizing when absolutely necessary, you can decrease environmental damage by using phosphorus-free fertilizer. (The three numbers on the bag designate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, so look for a product with a zero as the middle number.)

Phosphorus is plentiful in our soils so that adding more is unnecessary. More importantly, phosphorus pollutes our lakes and streams. It fertilizes aquatic plants causing algae blooms that are unsightly and that kill fish and other aquatic organisms.

Phosphorus-free fertilizer is available from more and more garden centers and landscapers. Please just inquire about it, and shop with the environment in mind.