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From Sue Stetler, SEMCOG Communications Director • e-mail • 313-961-4266 SEMCOG News Release

For immediate release
October 2, 2007

 Contact: Sue Stetler
313-961-4266

Protect water quality in Southeast Michigan:
October is “Fertilize Sparingly and Caringly” month

Ours to Protect Pet Care

Save Water

Protect our environment: Remember you're not just fertilizing your lawn

October is once again fertilizer application month! Want a vibrant lawn in the spring? Sounds funny, but the best way to get it is by fertilizing in the fall. That's because fall is the best time for plants to absorb nutrients and develop into a healthy plant with a strong root system.


Check out our video for ideas on how to keep our water clean. (Requires QuickTime).

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Lawns love leftovers. Use your fallen leaves as mulch…they are good food and insulation for your plants and trees.
  • Follow the directions. Too much fertilizer isn’t a good thing and will just run off the lawn if it rains.
  • Sweep it. Fertilizer left on sidewalks and driveways easily washes into storm drains. Sweep it back onto the lawn.
  • Take control. Consider a fertilizer spreader with a directional control that allows you to spread over the entire lawn, avoiding non-lawn areas.

Additional ways to get the messege out

Visit www.semcog.org for additional information.

For questions about the "Our Water. Our Future. Ours to Protect." program contact Iris Steinberg at steinberg@semcog.org or 313-961-4266.


Local Governments Advancing Southeast Michigan

Read recent SEMCOG news releases

SEMCOG is a regional planning partnership of governmental units serving 4.9 million people in the seven-county region of Southeast Michigan striving to enhance the region's quality of life.


Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
535 Griswold Street, Suite 300 Detroit, MI 48226-3602
313-961-4266 - Fax 313-961-4869
www.semcog.org