The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the DNR Pollution Prevention Assistance Division and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are working to solve the problem. The program involves developing and disseminating best management practices to Georgia gardeners. Simply not reading labels and overapplying these chemicals is one way. A national gardening survey found that only half of homeowners read labels. Neglecting to close a fertilizer spreader when crossing a sidewalk or driveway, too, offers a risk of polluting waterways.
Timing is everything.
If you fertilize a warm-season grass such as zoysia during the dormant season, the grass won't absorb the fertilizer, which the first rain may wash into the nearest sewer. May cause other problems, too The UGA Homeowner IPM Clinic has found that at least half of the disease and pest problems they see come from things like improper watering, overfertilizing and placing plants improperly. If plants' nutritional and cultural needs aren't met, diseases and pests may set in. Placing shade-loving azaleas in the full sun may encourage azalea lace bugs to stop in for dinner. Neglecting plant needs will nearly guarantee pest and disease problems in the landscape and prompt homeowners to go to the nearest store to buy pesticides.