A healthy lawn starts with healthy soil, and fertilizer can play an important role in helping grass grow strong and green. However, when fertilizer is applied at the wrong time, in the wrong amount, or just before a rainstorm, those nutrients can wash away before your lawn has a chance to use them.
Lawn with garden in the background
Instead of feeding your grass, excess fertilizer can enter storm drains and eventually make its way to local creeks and streams. Fortunately, a few simple habits can help your lawn thrive while protecting the Spring Creek watershed.
Why Fertilizer Matters
Grass needs nutrients to grow. The three primary nutrients found in lawn fertilizers are:
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Nitrogen (N): Promotes green, leafy growth.
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Phosphorus (P): Encourages strong root development.
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Potassium (K): Improves drought tolerance and overall plant health.
When applied correctly, these nutrients remain in the soil where grass roots can absorb them.
Fertilizer being spread on a lawn
Why Runoff Is a Problem
Unlike water from your home, stormwater is not treated before entering local waterways. When fertilizer lands on sidewalks, driveways, or streets, rainfall and irrigation can carry those nutrients into storm drains. From there, the runoff flows directly into nearby creeks. Excess nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, can contribute to algae growth. As algae die and decompose, they consume oxygen in the water, leaving less available for fish and other aquatic life. Keeping fertilizer on your lawn instead of in the street is one of the easiest ways to help protect our local waterways.
Water dumping from a storm drain into a waterway
Five Tips for Fertilizing Responsibly
1. Start with a Soil Test
Before applying fertilizer, find out what your lawn actually needs. A soil test measures nutrient levels and helps determine whether fertilizer is needed and, if so, which nutrients should be added. Free soil sample bags are available at The Woodlands Township Town Hall. Simply pick up a bag, collect a sample following the instructions, and send it to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Soil, Water and Forage Testing laboratory. A soil test can save you money by preventing unnecessary fertilizer applications while helping you grow a healthier lawn.
Soil testing bags in a stand with a seed library sign behind it
2. Apply the Right Amount
More fertilizer does not mean a healthier lawn. Always follow the application rate listed on the fertilizer bag. Applying more than recommended wastes product and increases the chance of runoff.
3. Keep Fertilizer Off Hard Surfaces
Fertilizer belongs on your lawn, not your driveway or sidewalk. If granules land on hard surfaces, sweep them back into the grass instead of rinsing them into the street.
4. Watch the Weather
Avoid fertilizing 24 hours before heavy rainfall. Rain can wash nutrients away before they have a chance to soak into the soil and be absorbed by your lawn.
5. Water Smart
After applying fertilizer, water your lawn according to the product label. Using the “cycle and soak” method helps water soak into the soil instead of running off into streets and storm drains. Dividing irrigation into two or three shorter cycles with time in between allows moisture and nutrients to reach the root zone more effectively.
Sprinkler head watering a lawn
Healthy Soil, Healthy Lawn
A thick, healthy lawn naturally uses water and nutrients more efficiently than a stressed lawn. Mowing at the proper height, watering deeply but infrequently, aerating compacted soil, and adding compost all improve soil health and can reduce the amount of fertilizer your lawn needs over time. Healthy soil supports healthy grass, and healthy grass helps protect our waterways.
For more information, contact the Environmental Services Department at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-210-3800.