DEC encourages homeowners to go phosphorus-free when using lawn fertilizer. Consumers should review bag labels for phosphorus content when shopping for fertilizer. Fertilizer labels have three numbers. The number in the middle is the percentage of phosphorus in the product.
Regardless of the lawn's location, excess phosphorus can wash off and pollute lakes and streams, harming fish and ruining boating and swimming.

For more information, visit DEC's Lawn Fertilizer webpage.