All plants, including grass, need nutrients to thrive. Synthetic fertilizers that have a lot of the nutrients, but they can be expensive and have undesirable environmental impacts. Consider the following alternatives instead:
Soil Sampling
Before adding fertilizer to your lawn, make sure it needs it. Have a soil sample analyzed and add only the nutrients your lawn is lacking.
Choose Natural
Use natural fertilizers instead of conventional ones. Look for products that contain plant and animal byproducts such as alfalfa meal, fish meal and rock phosphate.
Grass Cycling
Leaving grass clippings on the lawn – grass cycling – is a natural and free alternative to fertilizers.
Compost
Instead of throwing away yard and food waste, consider composting. The compost created is an inexpensive, nutrient-rich soil amendment that can replace or supplement fertilizers. Pre-made compost also is available at most home and garden stores, or join the Village's Compostable Program.