DEC encourages homeowners to practice sustainable lawn care to protect state waterbodies

DEC encourages homeowners to practice sustainable lawn care to protect state waterbodies.
Submitted DEC launches ‘Look for the Zero’ campaign to urge homeowners to purchase phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer Editorial by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation To protect water quality this spring, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is urging New Yorkers to practice sustainable lawn care by going phosphorus-free, using native plants and grasses, and reducing fertilizer use.
DEC has launched the "Look for the Zero" campaign to encourage New Yorkers to purchase phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer, as more than 100 water bodies in New York cannot be used or enjoyed as a result of too much phosphorus.
New York’s nutrient runoff law prohibits the use of phosphorus lawn fertilizers unless a new lawn is being established or a soil test shows the lawn does not have enough phosphorus.
Fertilizer labels have three bold numbers.
DEC encourages homeowners to choose native plants and grasses, which are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions.
Organic lawn care treatments promote deep root systems, natural photosynthesis, and longer grass growth.
Additional recommendations for sustainable lawn care include spreading a quarter inch of compost on the lawn to improve moisture retention and soil texture, and adding beneficial microorganisms and nutrients.
Visit DEC’s lawn care web page for more information.
DEC also encourages homeowners to leave lawn clippings on the yard in order to improve the health of the lawn.

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