Grayslake Bans Phosphorus-Based Fertilizer

GRAYSLAKE, IL - The Grayslake Village Board voted Tuesday to ban phosphorus-based fertilizers for lawn care in the village but did provide some exceptions to this new rule.

The new ordinance outlaws the use of the fertilizers for lawn care in Grayslake, except for agriculture land, personal gardens and certain turf and lawn areas, according to the Grayslake Village Board agenda. The ordinance was recommended to the village by the Lake Management Committee as phosphorus fertilizers can cause harm to lakes, rivers and streams, Kevin Timony, assistant to the village manager, told Patch in an e-mail. It also had been requested by residents in the past, he said.

“This ordinance will prohibit the use of phosphorus based fertilizers in the Village, except for in flower beds and vegetable gardens and farming/agricultural business, provided the fertilizer is related to growth of a product or field maintenance,” according to Timony.

The Daily Herald reports the Grayslake Village Board on Tuesday voted 4-0 in favor of the new ordinance.

Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Gurnee, and Lindenhurst also have similar ordinances, Timony said.