Wise Lawn Care

The following tips will keep your lawn in good shape without harming the watershed and ultimately the lake. 

The way we care for our lawns most definitely affects our lake.  So please . . . 

1) Test your soil before applying fertilizers.  Soils in many parts of the Finger Lakes have an adequate amount of phosphorus to grow a healthy lawn.  Test your soil to save you money and help avoid applying excess phosphorus.  Contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension (394-3977) office for more information or to purchase a soil testing kit.

 2)  Fertilize responsibly.  Use only 0-phosphate fertilizer unless a soil test indicates the need for a low phosphorus fertilizer. Too much phosphorus in our lake can stimulate algae blooms and plant growth with devastating impacts.  Apply lawn fertilizer only in fall when grass needs nutrients to develop a strong root system.  Sweep up spillage immediately and avoid fertilizing near storm drains or waterways. 

3) Do not apply fertilizers and pesticides when there is a threat of rain! 

4) Cut Your Grass 3 Inches High.  Leave clippings on the lawn.  Higher grass holds moisture, crowds out weeds, and clippings act as a natural fertilizer. 

5) Don't over water.  Apply just enough water to moisten root zone - 1/4 to 1/2 inch on dry soil. 

6) Properly dispose of yard waste.  Leaves can be composted and grass clippings provide a natural fertilizer if left on the lawn. Keep these wastes out of ditches, streets, storm drains, and streams where they can contribute significant amounts of phosphorus to waterways.

7) Plant bare areas.  Exposed soil, and the phosphorus attached to soil particles, is easily washed away with rain.  Keep soil covered with vegetation or mulch, which reduce the chance that phosphorus will reach waterways. Grass, shrubs, and trees slow the speed and decrease the amount of water runoff.