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As residents plan their lawn care this spring, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is encouraging homeowners to only use phosphorus-free lawn and garden fertilizer. The Village of Third Lake recently joined Antioch in passing an ordinance that bans fertilizer containing phosphorus, as phosphorus is the primary nutrient that turns lakes green with algae. Other communities are considering passing similar ordinances.
“We decided to ban fertilizer containing phosphorus because phosphorus drives the growth of algae in lakes,” said Gary Beggan, President of Third Lake. “Excessive amounts of algae are not only unattractive, but can lower oxygen levels, reduce water clarity, and have negative effects on fish and other aquatic organisms. Our goal is to preserve the quality of our lakes for many generations to come.”
Lake County is home to more than 200 inland lakes. Storm water drains throughout municipalities and unincorporated areas drain into these lakes and Lake Michigan.
Homeowners purchasing bags of fertilizer should look for a string of three numbers on the bag. The middle number indicates phosphorus content and should read “0.” Additionally, homeowners who use a lawn care service should request phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers.
While phosphorus is commonly found in fertilizer, it is generally only necessary for establishing new lawns. Phosphorus makes roots grow, but it doesn’t make the grass green. Most soil in Lake County already has an adequate amount of phosphorus to grow a healthy lawn.
Phosphorus may be used on lawns if a soil test indicates that it is needed. The Health Department encourages homeowners to conduct a soil test prior to applying fertilizer. Soil testing labs can be located through the University of Illinois Extension Web site: www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/soiltest, or samples can be submitted to the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District in Grayslake: (847) 223-1056.
A list of vendors who carry phosphorus-free fertilizers is available at the following site: www.co.lake.il.us/health/ehs/lakes.asp. Vendors who carry phosphorus-free fertilizer and want to be added to the list should call: (8470 377-8030.
