While it’s probably obvious that chemicals, like ant poison applied to an ant hill in your yard, are toxic for our lake, it’s important to note that things like fertilizer and grass clippings can cause just as much damage.  Action step three is to minimize chemicals and fertilizer used on your yard, which means more time for you to relax on the dock – a win win! If you must add fertilizer to your yard, make sure the middle number on the front of the bag (representing phosphorus or Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) is ZERO.  Even this no-phosphorus formulation should be used cautiously as excess Nitrogen, when washed into the lake, can cause excessive aquatic plant growth and decrease water quality.   Insecticides and pesticides kill pollinators and ultimately birds, so cease using these too.

Click to learn Fertilizing Tips for Shoreline Property and Maintaining Waterfront Turf to Preserve Water Quality.