It’s likely you’re already using a lawn fertilizer free of phosphorus, a chemical that causes lakes and ponds to turn green and unhealthy. But there are other steps you can take to ensure your lawn is strong and healthy, and protect water quality at the same time:
- Keep mower blades sharp to reduce injury to grass leaves.
- Raise mower blade height.
- Mow just before it rains, if possible; mowing in hot, dry weather causes moisture loss.
- Mulch clippings back onto your lawn to help build organic content and increase moisture levels in soil.
- Keep grass clippings away from pavement where they can be washed away into local waters and cause algae blooms and green lakes.
Additionally, whether you’re starting from scratch or seeding/splicing into an existing lawn, September is a great time to seed fine fescue, which boasts deep roots. It’s also a good time to aerate your lawn and add compost — two steps that can help keep your lawn healthy through long periods of dry weather.
