Look carefully before purchasing fertilizers. Only buy fertilizers with the chemicals your lawn needs, and only buy enough to use for one season.
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 your 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.
• The City recommends that you do not use fertilizers if rain is predicted within 48 hours.
• The City recommends that you only use the minimum amount of fertilizers.
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. Logon to www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/soils/ for instructions on how to collect and submit soil samples. They will return soil sample results along with fertilizer recommendations in about a week.
Outdated or unwanted lawn chemicals can be taken to a free Household Hazardous Waste site. Visit https://ramseyatoz.co.ramsey.mn.us/pages/default.aspx or call 651-633-EASY (3279) for information. Phones are answered 24 hours a day.
The City is concerned about the amount of phosphorus in the soil. Phosphorus is slow to break down and stays in lawns for years. Grass clippings and leaves contain phosphorus so if they get swept into the streets and sewer system the phosphorus can wind up in lakes and ponds. Once phosphorus enters a lake, it is costly to remove. Some experts estimate that it costs up to $400 to remove a pound of phosphorus from a lake. Phosphorus promotes algae growth that damages or kills the natural eco-system. Residents can help by preventing grass clippings and leaves from washing into the sewer system. Compost grass clipping and leaves, use as mulch, take to a county yard waste site or arrange a special pick up with your trash hauler.