8544-R5_ML&P_LSLA_2023_FallNewsletter_Web

Watershed Update Layne Albert & Kevin Ronan

so if you use fertilizer, make sure it is phosphorus-free (noted by a “0” in the middle number describing the fertilizer blend). The best time to apply is in September- not spring. Try using only half the recommended amount of fertilizer based on your yard size and the bag’s label. Wait to see how your yard responds. More is not better. Nitrogen rich fertilizer is a good choice for when you must fertilize (noted by 10-0-0 for the fertilizer blend). In Summary Little Sebago Lake’s quality is dependent upon us maintaining a fortified, healthy and lake friendly watershed. The actions listed above are easy for us to embrace and will help render a lake-friendly watershed. Will one person’s actions alone have any meaningful impact? Short answer - absolutely. If you think you’re too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room. - Anita Roddick

our reward for participating…… • Satisfaction in knowing your help contributed to preserving the quality of our lake • Clean, clear, healthy water • Outstanding recreational opportunities • High property values • Abundant wildlife on land and in the water • Successful local businesses Look for future communication from us on the LSLA LakeSmart program. The LSLA has some funds available to help offset the cost of improving your (or implementing) BMP’s and will have a small application available this Spring to help homeowners who participate in a LakeSmart evaluation in substantiating and recovering the cost of making some of the recommended BMP’s. 2. Leave the Fall Leaves and Needles Where They Fall Sometimes not raking (avoiding the fall clean up) is the best action you can take. The leaves and needles provide a layer of duff that helps to reduce erosion. In addition, when the leaves and needles decompose, they provide essential nutrients to the soil - for free. Also, consider relocating leaves and needles from impervious surfaces (driveways, walkways and parking areas) to your lawn or vegetative areas to increase and build up your buffer zone. 3. Phosphorus Free Fertilizer Most soils in Maine naturally have enough phosphorus to keep a lawn lush and green,

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