Fertilizer FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In an effort to protect water quality in our lakes, streams and wetlands, the City has placed a high priority on educating the public about the use of fertilizers. In addition, the City has adopted an ordinance that regulates the use of fertilizer and pesticides. Under City ordinance: Fertilizer may not be applied on hard surfaces.
You may not apply fertilizer or pesticides near wetlands or waterways; Commercial fertilizer applicators must be licensed to work in Aumsville. They, along with businesses which use fertilizer, must use phosphorus-free fertilizer. Exemptions may be obtained for newly established lawns or those for which a soil test has shown that phosphorus is in need. Commercial applicators may not apply fertilizer on frozen ground or when other conditions exist which promote or create run-off.
The make-up of all fertilizers is indicated by a series of three numbers on the package. The middle number indicates the amount of phosphorus the fertilizer contains. Look for a middle number of "0" to be sure you are buying a phosphorus free fertilizer.
Yes! No matter where you live in Aumsville, run-off from lawn flows into the storm sewer system. The storm sewer system empties directly into our local water bodies.
Phosphorus from fertilizers runs off lawns and ends up in area lakes and wetlands where it promotes algae growth. Algae can turn a blue lake green and damage or kill the lake's Eco-system.
In some parts of the country, soils need phosphorus to sustain healthy plant development -- but that's not true in Oregon. Oregon soils are generally rich in phosphorus. In fact, the soil in Marion County has high or very high levels of phosphorus, according to a study conducted by Oregon State Parks. The study showed that levels were so high the vast majority of lawns tested did not need any phosphorus.
