Use Less Fertilizer

One of the most effective things you can do to save the Bay is to reduce the fertilizer you use on your lawn.   Most fertilizer contains a high amount of both nitrogen and phosphorus, the two largest pollutants in the Bay.  In fact, the three-digit identification number on fertilizers refer to the percentages of nitrogen (N) , phosphate (P2O5)  and potash (K2O) that the fertilizer contains.  A fertilizer labeled 12-18-5 contains 12% nitrogen, and 18% phosphate.
 
There are times when fertilizer will play a major role in your success, such as when you're putting in a new lawn.  Other times, it has less effect.  We suggest you take the following steps:

• Test your lawn to see if it needs to be fertilized before making a decision to apply fertilizer
• If you do decide to fertilize, use a slow-release fertilizer.  Slow-release (also called slowly-available) fertilizers dissolve slowly in water and are far less likely to run off in a heavy rain 
• Limit the amount of fertilizer you use
• Fertilize less frequently
• Be careful not to apply fertilizer to surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks and parking lots.  Load and clean fertilizer spreaders on grassy surfaces
• Create a buffer near roadways and water run-off areas where you don't apply fertilizer

 
If you use a lawn care service, the West/Rhode Riverkeeper has worked with Frank Gouin (author of the Bay Weekly's Bay Gardener column) to outline ten principles that you should ask your service to comply with by taking the Growing Green Pledge.