A recent statewide survey conducted by a Maine market research firm found that over 61% of Mainers do not fertilize their lawns which is good news for Maine’s lakes, rivers, streams, and estuaries where fertilizer washed off lawns can contribute to algal blooms and poor water quality.
This news is also consistent with recent research showing most lawns over 10 years old don’t need a lot of chemicals. As Laura Wilson from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service explains, “If your lawn looks healthy without fertilizers, do not fertilize; it is a waste of money. Most lawns over 10 years old do not need fertilizers, if you leave the clippings. The clippings provide a source of slow release nitrogen and adequate phosphorus for your lawn.”
Most lawns don’t need phosphorus. “Over 80% of lawns tested in the past 5 years did not need any additional phosphorus,” notes Wilson. “Reducing or eliminating phosphorus also prevents harm to neighborhood lakes, streams and rivers
Barbara Welch, who runs Maine’s Phosphorus-Free Fertilizer program at the Department of Environmental Protection explains, “Phosphorus controls a lake’s water quality. Keep phosphorus out and you have clear water. Add phosphorus and you get plant growth in the form of tiny algae that can turn lakes, streams and even some rivers green and scummy.”
For these reasons, the Maine legislature passed a law that took effect 2 years ago requiring stores that sell fertilizers containing phosphorus (this includes most starter fertilizers) to post a sign. The sign discourages the use of phosphorus lawn products unless reseeding, starting a new lawn, or results of soil test show phosphorus is needed. The statewide survey found that among those who use phosphorus-free fertilizer, practically all (89%) are satisfied with the look and condition of their lawn.
Wilson gives advice on when to apply fertilizers - not before spring green-up or later than September 15th. Early spring fertilizing feeds the weeds more than the grass. The best time to fertilize is around Labor Day weekend to get the grass strong going into winter. Avoid fertilizing in the midsummer when the grass may be stressed with hot, dry conditions.
Gary Fish of the Maine YardScaping Partnership says, "One of the best things you can do when applying fertilizer is get any stray particles off the sidewalk, driveway and street and back onto the lawn. Fertilizer granules or grass clippings on these surfaces can easily get washed into the storm drain or ditch and can end up polluting our precious lakes, rivers and bays.”
To see how Bremen stacks up against the state please take the poll on the right hand side of the blog.
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