Fertilizers contain large amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous that can wash into ponds, lakes, streams and other local waterways leading to eutrophication.

This causes the overgrowth of aquatic plants primarily in the form of an algae bloom turning our creeks and streams green. The rapid increase in unwanted algae growth can cause disruptive changes to the local biological ecosystem.

Large algae blooms are often followed by a large die off of vegetation. Decomposing vegetation uses up oxygen in the water and may cause fish kills in our local waterways. Fertilizers and other nutrients cause other problems such as clogging of creeks, streams and local storm drain infrastructure with aquatic weeds, increased treatment costs for public water supplies due to taste and odor problems and the loss of recreational use of water due to slime, weed infestation and noxious odor from decaying algae.

• Test the soil in your lawn or garden. Sampling your soil reveals the specific nutrients that your soil may be lacking and will help you choose an appropriate fertilizer.
• Apply fertilizer sparingly; use a slow-release product, and/or a low toxicity product when possible. Remove excess fertilizer from impervious areas such as driveways and sidewalks.
• Select and Apply fertilizer according to the manufacturers label instructions. This will minimize harmful effects on non-target species and reduce environmental hazards.
• Develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan using native plants that require less water, less pesticides and/or fertilizers.
• Never apply fertilizers when rain has been forecasted!

For more information about environmentally friendly lawn and garden maintenance visit www.arlingtontx.com/stormwater/texassmartyards