Keep your lawn green and lakes clean with phosphate-free lawn care

As Ray Bradbury aptly stated, “Too much of anything isn’t good for anyone,” and phosphorus is no exception.

Despite being a vital nutrient essential for life, phosphorus poses the most significant threat to our water bodies. Phosphorus loading is the key driver of increased plant growth, algae growth, and cyanobacteria blooms, making it the primary nutrient behind the decline of freshwater lakes in the Northeast. While crucial for humans and plants, excessive phosphorus levels can upset the balance of our natural systems.

Human activities are the primary sources of phosphorus pollution. Development, fertilizer use, pet waste, urban runoff, and failing septic systems contribute to phosphorus loading in water bodies. Urbanization replaces natural landscapes with impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots and rooftops. Traditional development practices limit rainwater from soaking into the ground, leading to increased polluted stormwater runoff. You can make a difference by taking small steps on your property to help protect our water bodies today.

Go phosphate free

The recent passage of House Bill 1293 by the House of Representatives and the Senate marks a significant step toward phosphate-free lawn care in NH. This bill prohibits the sale of phosphorus-containing fertilizers in retail stores, except for use in establishing a new lawn, for lawn repair, or if soil tests indicate phosphorus is needed.

In addition, the application of fertilizer is prohibited during or before heavy rain events, and on saturated or frozen ground. The bill requires setbacks of 25 feet from storm drains, and retailers selling phosphorus fertilizer must post certain signage about the impacts to water resources and the laws related to the application of fertilizer.

To minimize phosphorus loading into lakes, individuals can undertake simple yet impactful measures. Observing how rainwater flows on your property, eliminating fertilizer usage, maintaining septic systems, and picking up pet waste are effective ways to reduce phosphorus runoff.

Consider transitioning to alternative lawn care methods to help protect our lakes.

According to Cathy Neal from UNH Extension, “Most NH soils provide all the phosphorus that a home lawn needs.”

Soil testing is recommended to determine if additional amendments are needed. If traditional grass lawns are preferred, natural methods such as aeration, water management, and leaving grass clippings can enhance lawn health without phosphorus fertilizers. Clover lawns, in particular, offer numerous benefits such as nitrogen fixation, improved soil structure, erosion control, and drought tolerance.

Organic fertilizers, while seemingly environmentally friendly, may stiall contain phosphorus, sometimes at higher levels than non-organic options. If you must fertilize, please look for the zero in the middle of the three numbers on the bag, indicating there is no phosphorus.

By adopting phosphate-free lawn care practices and implementing small changes on your property, you can play a crucial role in protecting our lakes from phosphorus pollution.

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Bree Rossiter is the conservation program manager for the Lake Winnipesaukee Association. She manages the water quality monitoring program, cyanobacteria monitoring initiatives, the Winni Blue/LakeSmart program, and assists with watershed management planning efforts. Bree can be reached at brossiter@winnipesaukee.org. The Lake Winnipesaukee Association is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the water quality and natural resources of the lake and its watershed. To learn more, visit winnipesaukee.org.