Did you know that the EPA considers stormwater runoff from yards, streets, parking lots and other areas to be one of the most significant sources of contamination in our country’s waters?

Delaware Livable Lawns aims to:

  • Certify lawn care companies that follow environmentally-friendly practices in fertilizer application. Learn More
  • Provide homeowners with the necessary information to make small changes in your lawn care practices so we can all be better stewards of our environment. Learn More

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water running in street to storm drain

Fertilizer runoff occurs when the ground gets more water than it can absorb and it washes away. When runoff carrying pollutants, like excess fertilizer, moves over paved surfaces (streets, parking lots, etc.) there is no soil to act as a filter and it may flow directly into our waterways. Even houses that are not beside a stream or lake can contribute to the problem. Storm drains found in most local neighborhoods are designed to move runoff from your neighborhood to the nearest body of water. Though many people believe otherwise, storm drains do not carry stormwater to wastewater treatment plants but instead, flow UNTREATED directly into our rivers and streams.

The two nutrients that can cause the most problems to our water quality are nitrogen and phosphorus. They are needed by all plants for healthy growth. Although an individual lawn or garden seems small, the total area of lawns is significant. Proper fertilizer use and lawn care regimens enhance plant growth without polluting the environment. Yet, misuse of fertilizer may harm the environment and injure your lawn and landscape plants.