Lawn Suggestions

Scio Ridge Land Conservancy

Nature in your Neighborhood

Winter berries

Lawn Care Suggestions

The developed area around the Conservancy does not have much topsoil as you have seen if you have tried to dig down and plant flowers. The underlying clay does not absorb water well and does not allow for a deep root system for grass.

Consequently, it takes frequent watering and fertilizer to keep a lawn green. Because our properties surround the Conservancy wetlands it is important to use fertilizers that are friendly to the environment.

The City of Ann arbor has banned the use of phosphorus in lawn fertilizer. “The city is under a federal mandate to reduce phosphorus levels in the Huron River by 50% in order to meet water quality standards.” This ban took effect in January 2007. The law provides for fines of $500 to as much as $1000 for each violation.

“The Huron River is the source of up to 90% of the City of Ann Arbor’s water supply. The remaining water comes from a series of municipal wells.” Excess phosphorus in storm water creates a favorable environment for algae growth by supplying needed nutrients. This creates an overabundance of algae, that can be seen as a green tinge to the water. As the algae die they deplete oxygen levels in the water, create bad odors and if severe enough can create a fish kill.

Here are some suggestions for fertilizer use to minimize the impact on our wetlands.

1. Use fertilizers that have zero Phosphorus on lawn areas. The Phosphorus content is indicated by the middle number listed on the container. An example is 9-0-9. The middle number 0 indicates that there is no Phosphorus. Some brands that offer zero phosphorus are Greenview, Nature Safe, and Lesco for example. Do not use “starter “ fertilizers for mid season applications. These types of fertilizers contain large amounts of Phosphorus and should be used only in special circumstances, such as flower gardens, trees and newly seeded lawns.

2. Fertilizers that have slow release Nitrogen are preferred. The Nitrogen content is indicated by the first number listed on the container. An example is 23-0-10. The 23 indicates there is 23% Nitrogen in the formulation. Brands that use slow release nitrogen are Scott’s, Greenview, and Nature Safe for example.

3. Limit the number of applications to 5 per year, and those should be 6 to 8 weeks apart. Applications should not be done when the ground is frozen ( between 11/1 and 4/1 for example) or when heavy rain is expected.

4. Do not use fertilizer within 25 feet of the wetlands.

5. Clean up any fertilizer that falls on streets, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces which will prevent absorption by the soil.

6. Lawn services operating in the Ann Arbor area are aware of this law and should be able to meet your needs with the same materials they are required to use in the City of Ann Arbor.

North Lake