Yard Waste and Fertilizer

The City of Champlin residents play an important role in helping to protect the water quality of the Mississippi River, Elm Creek, Mill Pond, and many other water bodies and wetlands.

Phosphorus, a nutrient for plant growth that is naturally abundant in our soils, is the biggest pollution problem for Minnesota waters.  Fertilizers, grass clippings, leaves, eroded soil, and animal wastes are all sources of phosphorus.  When excess phosphorus is applied to soil, it can wash off into our lakes and creeks where it accelerates algae growth.  One extra pound of phosphorus added to a lake can produce up to 500 pounds of algae!  Excessive algae growth diminishes water quality and can cause problems for fish and other aquatic life.

Minnesota lawmakers passed the Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer law in 2003 restricting the use of phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizer.  Effective January 2004, lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus may not be used in the seven-county metropolitan area, including Hennepin County. 

sweeping leaves from storm drain

Be-Leaf in yourself, to be the change! 

The way we care for our lawns has a huge impact on the environment and water quality. Particularly in the fall, rain washes dead leaves from our yards and streets into storm drains and directly into our lakes and rivers, feeding them with excess nutrients. These nutrients, like phosphorus and nitrogen, increase algae growth, lead to fish kills, and cause reduced water quality. Additionally, leaf litter carries other toxins and bacteria into our lakes, rivers, and streams. Proper fall lawn care keeps our waters clean, helps pollinators survive winter, and supports a more vigorous spring growing season.

Three ways to keep leaves out of the street:

Raking

Raking up your leaves is often the simplest solution. Bag your leaves after raking them and put them out for curbside collection or bring them to a yard waste drop-off site. More information on drop-off facilities.  Don’t forget to rake the street too, especially around any storm drains! Although the City does street sweep, it is everyone’s responsibility to rake up leaves as they fall to keep them out of our waterways.

Leaf mulching

Using a lawn mower to mulch fallen leaves can help add natural fertilizer back into your lawn and keep your grass healthy. Turfgrass is also better able to hold onto the smaller leaf bits so they don’t wash off into storm drains. If done regularly, this is a great option to keep your lawn healthy while protecting water quality.

Leaf composting

Finally, if you have a backyard compost bin, leaf litter is a source of brown, dry material that balances out any wet, nitrogen-rich food scraps. If you don’t have a backyard compost bin, fall is a great time to start! Leaves add carbon into your compost pile to provide energy for the decomposition process. Compost from your backyard compost pile can be used as a soil amendment or as mulch.  Learn more about composting in your backyard.

Tree Dropping Leaves