We want to remind Roseville residents what you can do to help protect the City’s groundwater.

The chemicals you apply on your lawn can seep into groundwater and run off into the storm sewer system and eventually wind up in City lakes and ponds. Look carefully before purchasing fertilizers. Only buy fertilizers with the chemicals your lawn needs, and only buy enough to use for one season.

As you get ready for spring planting remember:

• Roseville City Code prohibits applying fertilizers before April 15 or after November 15.
• City Code prohibits applying fertilizers within 50 feet of any wetland or water resource.
• City Code prohibits applying fertilizer to hard surfaces, such as your driveway or sidewalk.
• City Code prohibits using fertilizer that contains phosphorus unless a recent soil test indicates that it is needed to support healthy turf growth.
• The City recommends that you do not use fertilizers if rain is predicted within 48 hours.
• The City recommends that you only use the minimum amount of fertilizers.
• Pick up after your dog.

To find out what chemicals you may need for your lawn, test your soil. The U of M Extension Office tests soil for $15. Visit the Extension website or call 612-625-3101 for instructions on how to collect and submit soil samples. The U of M will return soil sample results along with fertilizer recommendations in about a week.

Outdated or unwanted lawn chemcials may be taken to a free Household Hazardous Waste site. Visit the Ramsey County website or call 651-633-3279 for more information. Phones are answered 24 hours a day.

The City is particularly concerned about the amount of phosphorus in the soil. Phosphorus is slow to break down and stays in lawns for years. Grass clippings and leaves contain phosphorus so if they get swept into the streets and sewer system the phosphorus can wind up in City lakes and ponds. Once phosphorus enters a lake, it is costly to remove. Some experts estimate that it costs up to $400 to remove a pound of phosphorus from a lake. Phosphorus promotes algae growth that damages or kills the natural eco-system. You can help by preventing grass clippings and leaves from washing into the sewer system. Compost your grass clipping and leaves, use as mulch, take to a county yard waste site or arrange a special pick up with your trash hauler.