Healthy Lawn Tips

Follow these easy tips for a beautiful green lawn, not a green lake! For more information on how to care for your lawn and the lake - including retailers that carry phosphorus-free fertilizer -- check out the Lawn to Lake website www.lawntolake.org.

FERTILIZE...

• Only with phosphorus-free fertilizers. Most northeastern lawns and 75% of Chittenden County VT lawns tested by the University had enough phosphorus (P) and only need nitrogen (N)!
• Apply fertilizer once/year-the best time for this region is early fall. 
• Sweep up fertilizer from sidewalks and driveways. Don't fertilize before heavy rain.

LOOK FOR THE MIDDLE NUMBER...

• On fertilizer bags to see the N-P-K nutrient analysis. The middle number is the phosphate (phosphorus) content. A "zero" in the middle means it is phosphorus-free. Lawns rarely need extra potassium (K), but adding some does not affect water quality.

TAKE A SOIL TEST...

• If you are seeding a new lawn, or want to learn more about your lawn's nutrient content, pH level and organic content.

WATER...

• If desired, in early morning, when there is less than 1 inch/week of rain. Grass will survive droughts without watering by going dormant.

PLANT GRASS SEED...

• On existing lawns in the fall and spring to out compete weeds.
• Use a grass mixture that does well in the setting (soil, light, activity).
• Leave legumes, such as common white clover, among the grass to add nitrogen, which will naturally fertilize your lawn.

MOW...

• To maintain a height of 3 to 4 inches and cut off no more than 1/3 of grass blade. Leave clippings on lawn to add nutrients and organic matter, but be sure to sweep the clippings off pavement.

WEEDS...

• Will be discouraged by following these healthy lawn tips! Just pull any that are left by hand.