How to Prevent Fertilizer Runoff

Co-authored by Lauren Kurtz, Horticulturist

Updated: July 8, 2019

Explore this Article Practicing Sustainable Gardening Using Plants to Prevent Runoff Ask a Question Related Articles References

When chemicals and nutrients from fertilizer run into water sources like lakes and streams, they can cause a lot of damage to the environment. Runoff can harm the delicate water ecosystems in your area, which can lead to less wildlife and plant diversity in your town. To prevent fertilizer runoff, you can manage your home landscaping by practicing sustainable gardening and planting filtering plants.

Practicing Sustainable Gardening

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    Use phosphorus-free fertilizer. Most fertilizer bags will have a ratio of nitrates-phosphorus-potassium printed on the outside of the bag. Look for a number like 32-0-25, where the middle number, denoting phosphorus content, is zero.[1]
    • Phosphorous is the largest source of concern when it comes to controlling fertilizer runoff, because it’s dangerous to aquatic plants and wildlife.
  2. 2
    Clean up grass, leaves, and other yard debris. It’s especially important to avoid getting yard debris in the road because most drains in the road lead to major water sources like streams and rivers. Keep grass clippings and leaves in the yard, raking them into a pile for later disposal.[2]
    • Some cities and towns will pick up yard debris for recycling or disposal, or you can drop it off at designated locations. Check your town’s specific rules regarding yard waste disposal.
    • Make sure you follow all parameters for yard was disposal, which may include using a specific type of bag for your clippings or bundling larger debris for easy transportation.
  3. 3
    Use a fertilizer with slow-release granules. This will prevent you from having to fertilize the garden every month. Instead, you’ll be able to apply the fertilizer every 6-8 weeks, potentially eliminating 3-4 applications every year.[3]
    • These will also prevent your plants from getting too much fertilizer at once, which can be harmful to their growth and the surrounding soil.
  4. 4
    Apply half of the recommended amount of fertilizer. A lot of runoff can be prevented by using less fertilizer. Apply it first to the perimeter of the area that you’re fertilizing, and then go back in a horizontal striped pattern across the area.[4]
    • If you feel like this won’t be enough, go back over and apply the fertilizer sparsely in perpendicular stripes.
    • It’s better to use too little fertilizer than too much, as plants and flowers will already receive some nutrients from the soil.
  5. 5
    Clean up your pet’s waste. Pet waste contains large amounts of phosphorus, the harmful chemical in some fertilizers. Always pick up and dispose of your pet waste properly in a waste bin to keep the nutrients from getting into a water supply.[5]
    • This is especially important to do in your yard and parks and public spaces to prevent runoff. If you don’t pick it up, it can remain in the same place for a long time until the chemicals have seeped into the ground and water.
    • Keep your dog on a leash when it's going to the bathroom so you know exactly where its waste is.

Using Plants to Prevent Runoff

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    Plant “filtering” native wildflowers. Native wildflowers are great for removing pollution and fertilizer from water, and they don’t require much maintenance after planting. Plant them in strips along the outer edge of your property, where water tends to run when it rains.[6]
    • You can find native wildflower seed mixes at most local nurseries or garden centers.
  2. 2
    Plant oak or maple trees to soak up fertilizer. Trees with large root systems will soak up water and use any excess fertilizer in the soil. Plant them in the corners of the yard to “catch” water as it runs out of gardens or flowerbeds.
    • You can choose to plant larger, more mature trees, or cultivate the trees from saplings. Both types of plants will utilize the water and fertilizer to continue growing.
    • Be aware when planting that these trees can grow to be very large over time. Plant the trees at least 4 feet (1.2 m) from fences or other structures such as sheds or houses.
  3. 3
    Cultivate shrubs or tall grasses along the perimeter of the garden. Shrubs such as cranberry and tall prairie grasses have roots that are great for areas that don’t get a lot of rain. They will soak up excess water and fertilizer when it does rain, but can go long periods of time without water while still thriving.
    • Planting these along the perimeter of the yard will ensure that the rest of your plants utilize all the fertilizer that they need first, and the shrubs and grasses will use whatever is left over.
  4. 4
    Plant cattails or rushes if you live along a lake or stream. If part of your property abuts a lake or stream, cattails and rushes along the edge of the water will act as a final line of protection for the water. Their roots will suck up any remaining fertilizer and help to prevent shoreline erosion.
    • It’s important to plant other filtering plants in your garden in addition to the plants along the water.
    • Only plant native plants along lakes and streams so you don't accidentally introduce an invasive species.

Community Q&A

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    • Always wear gloves when handling fertilizer, yard debris, or pet waste because they can all contain chemicals that are irritants to the skin.

    Article Info


    Categories: Fertilizers

    In other languages:

    Português: Não Deixar o Fertilizante Vazar

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