Healthy Lawn Care Program for Watershed Protection

The Healthy Lawn Care Program (HLCP) for Watershed Protection is an environmentally sound lawn care program that participating members of the Michigan Green Industry Association are offering. HLCP providers offer consumers additional lawn care options to protect the watershed. The Healthy Lawn Care Program has been initiated to help service companies comply with environmentally sensitive lawn care issues, such as, the overuse of fertilizers, pesticides and runoff into storm drains, lakes and/or rivers.

The key components of the Healthy Lawn Care Program are: Onsite consultations, soil nutrient testing, fertilizer options (including at least 50% slow-release fertilizer), fertilizer quantities of either two, three or four pounds of nitrogen applied over the growing season (depending on type of turf), low or NO-phosphorus options, advice to homeowners on proper maintenance and cultural practices, such as, mowing and watering. In addition, pesticide options which may include programs such as: no pesticide, spot-treatment for weeds or one-time "rescue operation" for weed control.

Click here to download an application for the Healthy Lawn Care Program

Click here for a list of endorsed Healthy Lawn Care Providers

SOIL TESTING IS IMPORTANT FOR HEALTHY PLANTS & CLEAN WATER

Why test soil for nutrients?
Since plants take up nutrients from the soil, nutrients need to be replenished from time to time. The only way to identify the particular nutrients needed is to test your soil.

Why test soil for organic matter?
Organic matter should comprise 5% or more of the soil by weight (5% - 10% by volume).
Because organic matter is continually “used” in a biologically active soil system, it needs to be periodically replaced.

Compost and peat are examples of organic matter materials which improve soil structure, retain water, encourage root penetration, and aerate soil. Compost is particularly beneficial because it gradually releases nutrients, supports beneficial microorganisms and earthworms, and suppresses some soil-borne diseases.

For more information on soil testing, contact your local MSU Extension office.