As you get ready to start spring yardwork, please do your part to protect the city’s groundwater. The chemicals you apply to the lawn can seep into groundwater and run off into the storm sewer system.
As you get ready for spring planting remember:
- Roseville City Code prohibits applying fertilizers before April 15 or after November 15.
- City Code prohibits applying fertilizers within 50 feet of any wetland or water resource.
- City Code prohibits applying fertilizer to hard surfaces, such as a driveway or sidewalk.
- City Code prohibits using fertilizer that contains phosphorus, unless a recent soil test indicates that it is needed to support healthy turf growth.
- Fertilize on a cool day before a rainfall or before irrigating, allowing he fertilizer to work into the soil.
- Use the minimum amount of fertilizer based on the manufacturer’s recommended rates.
Only buy fertilizers with the chemicals your lawn needs, and only buy enough to use for one season. To find out what chemicals you may need for your lawn, test your soil. The University of Minnesota Extension tests soil for a nominal fee. Log on to soiltest.cfans.umn.edu for instructions on how to collect and submit soil samples. They will return soil sample results along with fertilizer recommendations in about three weeks.
Outdated or unwanted lawn chemicals can be taken to a free Household Hazardous Waste site. Visit RamseyRecycles.com or call 651-633-EASY (3279) answered 24/7 for information.