When is the best time to Fertilize?
Hold on to your fertilizer! Contrary to popular practice, spring is not the time to fertilize your lawn. If you fertilize in early spring, the blades will grow at the expense of the roots developing. This can lead to disease and insect problems later in the season. In addition, you will have to mow the lawn more frequently. Proper springtime lawn care can help protect our waterways from pollutants and contribute to a healthy environment.
Fall is the best time to fertilize, when the roots that will sustain the plants through the following summer are actively growing. Even if you missed fall fertilization, you should limit spring fertilization to a light feeding (0.5 lbs. of 10-10-10 per 1000 sq. ft.) after the initial flush of growth has subsided in May or early June.
Lime, on the other hand, should be applied in early spring if soil tests show it is necessary. Soil testing kits can be obtained from all Fairfax County public libraries or from the Virginia Cooperative Extension office in the Government Center (Pennino building, 10th Floor) - there is a small fee for the soil analysis. Most lawn grasses grow best at a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Your soil test report will provide recommendations on how much lime to apply. Also use the results of your soils test to determine how much fertilizer to apply in the fall. Applying too much fertilizer or spillage on sidewalks or driveways can cause stream pollution. For more information please visit http://www.onlyrain.org/
Household Hazardous and E-Waste
The town does not collect hazardous waste and electronics. Motor oil and other hazardous waste as well as E-Waste can be taken to Fairfax County's
West Ox Road Transfer Station at no charge to Fairfax County residents (please click link for directions and hours).
Additional information:
Your lawn and clean water
Preventing stormwater pollution
