Fertilizers

Lawn Fertilizers

Fertilizers containing phosphorus cannot be used on lawns in Hopkins and other metro areas, unless a soil test indicates that it is needed or if establishing a new lawn.
Determine if a fertilizer has phosphorus

There are three identifying numbers on a bag of fertilizer. Find the phosphorus content by looking for the middle number. The middle number must be 0.

Example of Fertilizer Bag With Code

About the Phosphorus Law

Minnesota’s Phosphorus Lawn Fertilizer Law was enacted to reduce over-enrichment of rivers, lakes, and wetlands with the nutrient phosphorus. Excessive phosphorus in surface water leads to an overabundance of algae and other aquatic plants.

For more information on the phosphorus lawn fertilizer law, go to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's website.