The primary contributor of nutrients to our summertime pea-green rivers and Bay is agricultural fertilizer. But the second most important source, now that our major wastewater treatment plants have been upgraded, is lawn fertilizer.
That fact is behind the recent action by the Maryland State government to ban phosphorus in lawn fertilizer and is the stimulus for the fast-growing number of homeowners in the Bay watershed, both coastal and inland, who have chosen to cease fertilizing their lawns altogether.
Those still buying in to the clever advertising pitch urging us to “feed” our lawns should consider taking that step, trying it, just for a year. They would discover that nutrients in rainfall and grass clippings provide more than enough “food” to maintain a healthy lawn. And neither requires the addition of chemicals to our already overloaded environment.
Not fertilizing lawns is an easy way for homeowners to save time and money, and to do the right and responsible thing for the health of the Bay and for all who enjoy it.
Jack Fischer
Sherwood, MD
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