Testing your soil can save you time, money and help prevent water pollution. Your soil may already contain a proper amount of nutrients to support a healthy lawn. Contact your County Extension Service agent for information on how to conduct a soil test of your lawn. After taking a soil test, purchase the proper fertilizer blend. Read the numbers on the fertilizer bag.
Excess nutrients can runoff and add to lake pollution.
Choose appropriate types of turfgrass and groundcovers for your site s soil, sunlight, and water conditions to minimize maintenance and fertilizer and pesticide use. Keep your mowing height high. Set your mower blade at 3 inches to provide a taller lawn that holds water better, requires less irrigation, and helps shade out weeds. Mow often enough to leave grass clippings on the lawn, and use a mulching mower if possible. Alternatively, use clippings as a mulch or compost them with leaves.