Courtesy of Maine DEP and York County Soil & Water Conservation District
Even if you do not live on a lake, you can help keep it clean. One of the easiest ways is to use lake-friendly, phosphorous-free fertilizer. Lake Hopatcong is turning green and the phosphorous monster can ruin our Lake. When too much phosphorus enters the Lake, algae and weed growth becomes uncontrollable. Using a lake-friendly, phosphorous-free lawn fertilizer will help protect the Lake and will not compromise your lawn’s appearance.
Fertilizer Use:
¨ Phosphorous fertilizer use is mandated in ordinances in Hopatcong, Jefferson, Mount Arlington and Roxbury. Fertilizer should not contain more than 0.5% phosphorous.
¨ Apply fertilizer when the soil is moist and then water lightly.
¨ Do not over fertilize and do not apply:
· when ground is frozen or when rain or wind is expected.
· within ten feet of any wetland or water body.
¨ Sweep up and properly dispose of any spilled fertilizer on paved areas such as sidewalks or driveways.
To purchase phosphorous-free, lake-friendly fertilizer, visit these retailers:
|
Jefferson |
Roxbury |
| Headley Lumber Inc. Weldon Road, Oak Ridge 973-697-7541 |
Roxbury Garden Center & Supply 5 Howard Blvd., Ledgewood 973-252-3981 |
| True Value of Lakeside 20 Bowling Green Parkway, Lake Hopatcong 973-426-0634 |
Station Hardware & Garden Center 101 Kings Highway, Landing 973-770-9710 |
|
Hopatcong |
Sparta |
| Hopatcong Hardware 53 Hopatcong Road 973-398-7463 |
Mohawk Gardens 163 Woodport Road 973-729-9400 |
|
Mount Olive |
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Lowe's 20 International Drive South, Flanders 973-426-0634 |
There may be additional vendors nearby who also carry phosphorus-free fertilizer. This listing is not intended to be a recommendation of these businesses, their products, or prices by the Lake Hopatcong Commission.
The Lake Hopatcong Commission encourages retailers that carry phosphorous-free fertilizer to participate in our lake-friendly fertilizer program. To obtain a free, lake-friendly fertilizer sign and to list your business as a participating retailer, please contact the Commission at lkhopcom@lakehopatcong.org.
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To purchase phosphorus-free, lake-friendly fertilizer, look for the Lake-Friendly Fertilizer signs at your local hardware stores, nurseries and home improvement centers. To make sure your fertilizer is lake-friendly, simply check the fertilizer bag. The phosphorous content is measured as phosphate and appears as the middle number in a series of three numbers printed on the bag.
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Courtesy of
Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance |
Proper lawn care and using phosphorus-free fertilizer is essential to control excess weed growth and algae in our lakes and waterways. To learn more on what you can do to help stop Lake Hopatcong from turning green, download a copy of Water Spouts and an Environmentally Friendly Lawn Care Guide.
