05-28-1991 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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r 1. 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. 8. On new construction sites, horneo>*Tiers should take steps to establish turfgrass as soon as conditions permit. On steeply sloping banks, sod should always be secured through proper staking; or where seed is used, siltation fences should be installed across the hill to prevent erosion of soil and/or siltation into streets and storm drains. For further information on seeding or sodding methods, contact the Dakota County Extension Office at 463-3302, On existing lawns, soil testing is the first step towards efficient lawn care. Soil testing kits are available through the Universin of Minnesota ’s Soil Testing Laboratoiy at 625-3101. Test results may indicate that phosphorus or other nutrients are already in adequate supply in your soil. If this is the case, fertilization rates can be cut back while still maintaining a green and healthy lawn. When purchasing a low phosphorus fertilizer, carefully review the analysis on the outside of the fertilizer bag. Three large numbers will usually appear indicating the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Be sure to select a fertilizer with a phosphorus content of less than five percent. When fertilizing your lawTi, avoid spray or drift of the pellets onto hard surface areas, such as driveways, sidewalks, or the street. This will lessen the chance of rain or lawn irrigation washing the fertilizer directly into the storm drainage system. Whenever possible, avoid using a grass catcher when mowing your lawn. Research has shown that leaving clippings on your lawn is equal to approximately one fertilizer application per year. As the clippings decompose, they will release valuable sources of nutrients to the lawn. When mowing, direct the discharge chute of your mower towards the interior of your lawn. TTiis will avoid depositing the clippings directly onto the street where they can be washed into the storm drains. As grass clippings (organic material) decompose in a pond, they will release high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, which further encourages plant and algae growih. Wherever possible, horaeowmers should leave an eight to ten foot wide unmaintained buffer around the edge of lakes and ponds. This area of taller grass and plant growih will intercept and absorb a large portion of nutrient runoff before it can reach the water. Grass kept at a height of 2 to 2 1/2 inches can withstand heat stress better than close-clipped grass. This higher mowing height encourages deeper rooting and there is less need for frequent watering and fertilization. In addition, grass kept at a higher height tends to shade broad-leaved weeds, giving your lawn a competitive edge over dandelions and other weeds. Satehriftrfiti