Avoid Over-Fertilization When Caring for Lawns

June 30, 2023 - Many people take advantage of sunny weather to fertilize lawns, which makes this a good time to review helpful resources for lawn care practices that protect your lawn AND our local waterways in Corvallis.

Oregon State University Extension has numerous practical guides including lawn care for western Oregon (https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/ec1521).

Remember to follow the fertilizer application rates found on the fertilizer container. Lawn over-fertilization can result in unintended/harmful effects, such as an increased need for water by your lawn, accumulation of salts within your lawn (weakening plant and soil health), and nutrient run-off creating algae blooms in nearby streets and streams. Excess nutrients in streams can lead to lower oxygen levels from algae die-offs and decomposition, lowering stream health.

City of Corvallis staff are committed to protecting our local water ways and welcome opportunities to share information about preventing nutrient runoff. If you have any questions or would like someone to come talk with your group, please call 541-766-6454 or email Ted.Hart@corvallisoregon.gov.