Lawns

harbor guy · 06-04-2004, 08:43 PM

All one has to do, is type in "Lakes & Fertilizer".
There are quite a few sites on the Web from all over the country that state how the effects of fertilizers are bad for the enviroment.
Want specifics, add New Hampshire to your search.
I understand there many different opinions when it comes to this forum.
My folks place is pretty much natural, as it has been and should be (my opinion).
Guess all I can say is do some research first. Then if you really need that green lawn. Please be smart about it and do it without the chemicals.
Harbor Guy

JDeere · 06-05-2004, 02:18 AM

Cultural Influences
Although eutrophication is the natural aging process of all lakes, cultural eutrophication is an immediate threat to our lakes and ponds. Cultural influences accelerate this geologic process. Erosion from unvegetated soils can quickly cover a lake bottom. Polluted runoff from non-absorbent surfaces such as driveways and building roofs carries nutrients which act as fertilizer, promoting the growth of plants and algae. Improper fertilization of lawns and gardens as well as failed septic systems also contribute these nutrients.

Key to me are the words ...Improper fertilization of lawns...AND...Erosion from unvegetated soils. Maybe we should just give all the land back to the Indians.

Frdxplorer · 06-05-2004, 03:02 AM

Although I like Deers, I prefer a 52 Farmall Cub. But if you like lawns so much, I have about 2 acres in PA, feel free. My opinion is this... We have a small lawn on the lake that we recently tried to reseed. We were unsucessful. So the moss and roots will take their orginal shape, God forbid. During my youth ( only a few years ago), I attended Camp Belknap. They are diligently working to maintain the natural beauty around camp's shore for future generations. Much mention has been made to the idea of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for homes and wishing they had lucious green lawns. To me, this view is near-sighted. How wonderful a place this lake would be if my grandchildren (about 100 years away) were able to enjoy this place as I have been. We would be silly if we didn't believe that the only constant is change. However, we are all being very selfish if we do not try to preserve this precious piece of nature for future generations. Many ask for proof that their actions are causing harm. Alot of people were asking to see the PROOF of a terrorist attack before 9-11. Obviously not on the same level, but a thought just he same.

JDeere · 06-05-2004, 08:44 AM

Understand and agree that the lake in its natural state is better. My property is heavily treed but the land surrounding the house was disturbed by construction. I would actually prefer the pine needles but it is tougher than you think to replace years of what nature has put down. I did try and then finally surrendered to a small lawn that keep things tidy and I think prevent more runoff into the lake than then the disturbed area.

The only real point I am trying to make is simply that if people follow the rules fertilizing is probably way down on the list of containment reaching the lake.

As to the terrorist comment. WHAT? When they tried to take the Tower down the first time we had all the proof we needed that US soil was not safe anymore. Seems to me someone name Bill should have pulled his pants up and done something. But I guess he was too busy with Monica.

Grant · 06-05-2004, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frdxplorer

During my youth ( only a few years ago), I attended Camp Belknap. They are diligently working to maintain the natural beauty around camp's shore for future generations.

Hey -- what years were you @ Belknap? I was there '70-'77, and then came back for a stint in the kitchen crew in '78. My brother was ten-year guy, and a leader. My son is going for his sixth season this summer. Place looks as great as ever. Oh to be a Cadet again!

Grant · 06-05-2004, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDeere

Cultural Influences
[font=ZapfCalligr BT]...Key to me are the words ...Improper fertilization of lawns...AND...Erosion from unvegetated soils. Maybe we should just give all the land back to the Indians.

Excellent point. And, again, I wasn't pointing the finger at lawns as a primary culprit, and certainly there are those lawns that are either unfertilized or, as you point out, properly fertilized. It just seems that the recent proliferation of lakeside lawns can only lead to an increase in the fertilizer run-off. Your point about the not-absorbent surfaces is dead-on. Think about road salts, motor oils, etc. Just more by-products of human habitation. Bottom line -- we all have to be a little more careful and minimize our impact, whether it's lawn fertilizer, a leaking septic system, a boat or PWC -- whatever. Let's enjoy it and preserve it for future generations to enjoy as well!

Frdxplorer · 06-05-2004, 10:48 AM

Grant,

I was @ Belknap during the mid & late 90's. The current director often refers to Belknap as Camelot. I think he has hit the nail right on the head. They are doing a magnificent job preserving the lake for future generations.

JDeere,

Excellent point that it is nearly impossible to replace what years of nature's work has produced. We faced the same issue with construction a few years ago.

06-04-2004, 08:43 PM	#1
harbor guy Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 27 Thanks: 24 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Check the Web All one has to do, is type in "Lakes & Fertilizer". There are quite a few sites on the Web from all over the country that state how the effects of fertilizers are bad for the enviroment. Want specifics, add New Hampshire to your search. I understand there many different opinions when it comes to this forum. My folks place is pretty much natural, as it has been and should be (my opinion). Guess all I can say is do some research first. Then if you really need that green lawn. Please be smart about it and do it without the chemicals. Harbor Guy

06-05-2004, 02:18 AM	#2
JDeere Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 295 Thanks: 74 Thanked 52 Times in 25 Posts	quick search finds this Cultural Influences Although eutrophication is the natural aging process of all lakes, cultural eutrophication is an immediate threat to our lakes and ponds. Cultural influences accelerate this geologic process. Erosion from unvegetated soils can quickly cover a lake bottom. Polluted runoff from non-absorbent surfaces such as driveways and building roofs carries nutrients which act as fertilizer, promoting the growth of plants and algae. Improper fertilization of lawns and gardens as well as failed septic systems also contribute these nutrients. Key to me are the words ...Improper fertilization of lawns...AND...Erosion from unvegetated soils. Maybe we should just give all the land back to the Indians.

06-05-2004, 08:44 AM	#4
JDeere Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 295 Thanks: 74 Thanked 52 Times in 25 Posts	My final post on lawns.....I hope Understand and agree that the lake in its natural state is better. My property is heavily treed but the land surrounding the house was disturbed by construction. I would actually prefer the pine needles but it is tougher than you think to replace years of what nature has put down. I did try and then finally surrendered to a small lawn that keep things tidy and I think prevent more runoff into the lake than then the disturbed area. The only real point I am trying to make is simply that if people follow the rules fertilizing is probably way down on the list of containment reaching the lake. As to the terrorist comment. WHAT? When they tried to take the Tower down the first time we had all the proof we needed that US soil was not safe anymore. Seems to me someone name Bill should have pulled his pants up and done something. But I guess he was too busy with Monica.

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06-05-2004, 03:02 AM	#3
Frdxplorer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: York, PA Posts: 234 Thanks: 2 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	Although I like Deers, I prefer a 52 Farmall Cub. But if you like lawns so much, I have about 2 acres in PA, feel free. My opinion is this... We have a small lawn on the lake that we recently tried to reseed. We were unsucessful. So the moss and roots will take their orginal shape, God forbid. During my youth ( only a few years ago), I attended Camp Belknap. They are diligently working to maintain the natural beauty around camp's shore for future generations. Much mention has been made to the idea of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for homes and wishing they had lucious green lawns. To me, this view is near-sighted. How wonderful a place this lake would be if my grandchildren (about 100 years away) were able to enjoy this place as I have been. We would be silly if we didn't believe that the only constant is change. However, we are all being very selfish if we do not try to preserve this precious piece of nature for future generations. Many ask for proof that their actions are causing harm. Alot of people were asking to see the PROOF of a terrorist attack before 9-11. Obviously not on the same level, but a thought just he same.

06-05-2004, 10:48 AM	#7
Frdxplorer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: York, PA Posts: 234 Thanks: 2 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	Grant, I was @ Belknap during the mid & late 90's. The current director often refers to Belknap as Camelot. I think he has hit the nail right on the head. They are doing a magnificent job preserving the lake for future generations. JDeere, Excellent point that it is nearly impossible to replace what years of nature's work has produced. We faced the same issue with construction a few years ago.