Fertilizers
Protecting Tulsa's Water Quality
Sometimes, people pollute our waterways without even knowing it.
When it comes to our urban streams, the more you know, the cleaner
the flow.
Tulsa has two types of sewers: a sanitary sewer that carries
wastewater to a treatment plant and a storm sewer that carries rain
and other runoff directly into our streams. Contaminated runoff,
called nonpoint source pollution, is a major cause of pollution in
Tulsa's waterways. We can reduce the pollution by keeping waste
such as litter, lawn care chemicals, and other waste out of our
storm sewers.
Fertilizer Use Recommendations
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Apply only the recommended amount to needed areas, avoid
driveways and sidewalks.
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Water the fertilizer after application but do not over-water
since that pollutes the runoff.
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Get a soil test. The OSU Extension Service performs soil tests for a
minimal charge. You provide the Service with a pint of dry soil
without rocks, sticks and debris. In two to three weeks, the
Service will provide you with soil sample results. The test results
show you what nutrients your soil needs so you can purchase the
correct type of fertilizer. For more information, contact the OSU
Extension Office, (918) 746-3707.
How to Reduce Fertilizer Use
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Choose plants that resist drought and enhance the growth of
other plants.
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Use a mulching mower and cut 1/3 of the height of the grass.
Clipped grass adds nutrients back into your soil.
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Cut grass more often and only when it is dry. Use sharp
blades.
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Compost yard waste and use it on flower beds and gardens. For
more information on composting, call the Tulsa County Master
Gardeners at (918) 746-3701.
Caring for your lawn properly can both enhance its appearance
and contribute to its environmental benefits. Healthy grass
provides feeding ground for birds, who find it a rich source of
insects, worms and other foods. Thick grass prevents soil erosion,
filters contaminants from rainwater, and absorbs many types of
airborne pollutants. Grass also is highly efficient at converting
carbon dioxide to oxygen, a process that helps clean the air.
Proper Disposal
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Cap the empty container or bag, wrap it in newspaper, and
promptly put it in the trash.
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Bring unused fertilizers to the next Household Pollutant
Collection Event. For more information, call the Metropolitan
Environmental Trust (M.e.t.) at (918) 584-0584.
For More Information
The Master Gardener Hotline, (918) 746-3701, provides information
on safer alternatives to fertilizers as well as types and amounts
of fertilizers to use on your lawn.
Since foreign substances can pollute our waterways and cause
flooding, you should never pour products down a drain, sewer or
manhole. It also is a violation of City ordinance. Do your part to
keep the drainage system clean. If you spot a blocked drain or
suspect illegal dumping of products in the drainage system, call
(918) 596-2100, and an inspector will investigate.
