Fertilizer Tips

Fertilizers used to promote plant growth and lush green lawns also have the potential to contaminate water sources if applied improperly. Residents can prevent ground and surface water contamination by observing the following practices when applying fertilizer:

• Use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Slow-release or Water Insoluble Nitrogen (WIN) provides a more controlled release of nitrogen thereby limiting the amount of fertilizer leaching into groundwater.
• Slow-release fertilizer will provide nutrients throughout the summer and need less moisture and seldom burn turf. Follow the instructions to be sure that you do not use too much, as it has the potential for runoff.
• Use organic products on the lawn. Organic products are carbon-based and are not harmful to the environment.
• Choose the proper spreader and calibrate it correctly.
• Using a drop spreader instead of a rotary spreader near water supply sources and storm drains will decrease the risk of fertilizer contamination. Also, limiting the application of fertilizer on slopes decreases the potential for runoff.
• Use buffer strips.
• Leave a strip of unfertilized grasses or natural vegetation near any water body. This helps against erosion and produces a trap for unwanted nutrients.

Prevent misapplication of fertilizers. Take care when applying fertilizers around sewers and drains. Shut off spreaders before crossing sidewalks or driveways and sweep up any spills. Rinse your spreader over the lawn area and not on the driveway in order to minimize fertilizer runoff.

Chemical Weed Control

Herbicides are used to control weeds. There are two types of herbicides, pre- and post-emergence. Pre-emergence herbicides are applied before the weed seedlings emerge from the soil. Post-emergence herbicides are applied to weeds after they have emerged from the soil. Spot application of herbicides where weeds are present is recommended, as opposed to using them on the entire lawn. This helps reduce the amount of chemical used and the possibility that it may cause water contamination. Whenever any pesticide is used, be sure to read, understand, and follow all label directions for the safest and most effective handling and application.

Water Conservation

To ensure that outdoor watering is effective and efficient, City Code Section 13.16.205 regulates lawn sprinkling. The City’s water conservation ordinance is in effect May 1 to August 31 and establishes automatic and sprinkler watering schedules.

Please visit www.stcharlesil.gov/PW/WaterAndSewer/ or call the Public Works Office at (630) 377-4405 with questions or for more information,

Here are some additional helpful water conservation tips:

• Look for landscaping plants that don’t need much water.
• Use ground covers and mulches around plants.
• Use an automatic sprinkler system with a timer.
• Leave grass tall (2”-4”), as taller grass helps retain moisture in the soil.
• When washing your car, use a hose with a shut-off nozzle. and, wash your car on the grass instead of the driveway.

Before you Dig In, Make a Phone Call!

So you are sprucing up the place by building a deck or replacing that old fence? Or maybe you are finally going to plant that big vegetable garden in your back yard.

Wait! There could be more than dirt and worms waiting for your shovel to turn the earth. There could be electric lines, phone wires, gas lines or cables buried in your yard.

It only takes one call to find out if there are lines under your yard. Call JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information Excavation) at 1-800-892-0123. There is no charge for this service. You should know within 48 hours whether it is OK to dig where you planned (excluding weekends and holidays).