The City of Manitowoc has issued a reminder to residents to use fertilizers and herbicides “responsibly and sparingly on their yards.”
According to Dan Koski, Director of Public Infrastructure, the city recently received complaints of fertilizer on the sidewalk and in the street meaning they’re applied more frequently.
Many of them, he says, contain herbicides and they’re one of the main reasons we have green algae in our lakes and streams. Koski stated chemicals and weed killers are not needed for a healthy lawn.
He advises, “Think before you buy. Get a soil test so you know if your lawn needs more nutrients.”
He suggested mulch to keep the grass healthy so that it can “out-compete weeds for light, nutrients, and water. If you fertilize, do it in the fall and sweep up fertilizer that drops in the street and sidewalk. Otherwise, such material in the street will end up in the lake.”
When applying herbicides follow the directions on the label and post notices on your lawn so that others are aware of them and can avoid the area.
For more information on the proper use of Fertilizers and Pesticides, visit the City of Manitowoc website at Manitowoc.org/403/Yard-Care.
