A couple of our members have asked that we list brand name phosphate free fertilizers on the website, so that they and others can do their part to help protect the quality of our lake.

But first,  a little information about the criteria for designation as an earth-friendly fertilizer:
Low-phosphorus or no-phosphorus:
• Ratio of nitrogen-to-phosphate is 5:1 or greater

Slow-release nitrogen:
• Natural organic fertilizer or synthetic fertilizer with 50% or more W.I.N. or controlled-release component

• Free of all pesticides (including herbicides); no Weed-and-Feed

Earth Friendly Fertilizers Recommended For Lake and River Quality Protection:

Brand Name – N-P-K % Slow Release Nitrogen:

Corn Gluten Products 9-0-0 85%

Clean Green Soy Fertilizer 7-0-0   High

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer/Lawn Food 9-0-0 91%

Fertrell Lawn Fertilizers 9-1-4 or 8-1-8 70% – 85%

Lesco Professional Turf Fertilizer 32-0-10 67%

Ringer Lawn Restore 10-2-6 76%

Scotts Organic Choice Lawn Food 11-2-2 91%

Soil Science 5-0–7 High

Sustane (Lesco product) 18-1-8 79%

Turf Nurture 15-2-7  75%

Shoreline Management Guidelines:
The Glen Lake Association has the following recommendations (in order of importance) for riparians who wish to add nutrients to their lawns and landscape:

1. Pump lake water into your irrigation system to irrigate and “fertilize” your lawn and landscape plants. The lake water will naturally contain nitrogen and phosphates for your plants and lawn and the remaining nutrients will leach into your soil and return to the lake via ground water.
2. Do not use any fertilizers at all – either chemical or organic.
3. If you decide to fertilize (ignoring items 1 and 2 above), then consider purchasing “Clean Green” 7-0-0. This is available at Northwood Hardware in Glen Arbor and Hamilton’s Agronomy on M-72, just west of Traverse city next to the tractor sales at the top of the passing lane.
4. If you decide to use chemical fertilizers, then use “Lake Safe” 20-0-20 sold at Hamilton’s Agronomy in Traverse City located on M-72, just west of Traverse city next to the tractor sales at the top of the passing lane.