Americans love their lawns a littletoo much, perhaps. And like all loves, this one too has its chemistry in this case, rooted innitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, the key components of lawn fertilizer. Sure, it makes the grass grow. But thats not where the effects end if people over-fertilize or fertilize carelessly, and these nutrientsend up getting into our lakes, rivers, or water supplies.

According to the U.S. EPAs New England Regional Laboratory, 40 to 60 percent of the nitrogenthat people put on their lawns through fertilizerwinds up in surface and groundwater. Take the case of the Chesapeake Bay: A significant part of the nitrogen and phosphorous that is keeping the Bay polluted comes from urban sources, according to the EPA.

Indeed, careless lawn fertilization can have suchnegativeconsequences that some states have passed laws to restrict phosphorus in fertilizer. As the New York Department of Environmental Conservationputs it, Phosphorus going into the States water has been linked to: reductions in oxygen in waterbodies necessary for fish to breathe; algae that turn water bodies green; and algae and algae by-products that degrade drinking water. Scotts Miracle-Gro, a leading maker of fertilizers and lawn products, itselfannouncedthe removal of phosphorus from a key line of fertilizer products,TurfBuilder, in 2013, saying this was a partial solution to nutrient runoff that can lead to excessive algae growth in waterways.

In general, the concern is that excess nutrients in water can lead to a process of eutrophication, in which algal blooms fed by nitrogen, phosphorous and other nutrients change the chemistry of water bodies, choke off sunlight (potentially killing off plants below the surface) and foster the growth of harmful cyanobacteria. It has been estimated that the damage from eutrophication to U.S. water supplies costs$ 2.2 billionayear to address.

Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution has the potential to become one of the costliest, most difficult environmental problems we face in the 21st century, concluded the EPA in 2009.

This isnt your typical environmental issue, though the cause is not simply some single big polluter. While the eutrophication problem arises from many sources much of it can be traced to agriculture and wastewater treatment plants another key contributor is thelarge number of Americans busily tending tosome37.5 million acres of turf-grass covered residential lawns,and sometimes making mistakes that across our population, can really add up.

For some reason, these Americans feel that their lawns have to look a certain way super green, with turf grass standing tall, as opposed to an alternative, less environmentally impactful lawn approach and that fertilizer is the way to get that to happen. So what underlies the belief?

Keeping up with the Joness fertilizer

The short answer seems to be: Our neighbors. A growing amount of research suggests that people fertilize and over-fertilize their lawns in significant part out of a sense of what those who live around them expect their lawns to look like.

In apaperpublished in 2012, for instance, Amanda Carrico of Vanderbilt and two colleagues found strong social pressures surrounding lawn maintenance in the Nashville, Tenn., area. Some 48 percent of people told the researchers that they used fertilizer on their lawns, and the study found that social pressures were a leading key predictor of their use of fertilizer. As the researchers concluded, maintaining a lawn is an avenue for engaging with ones neighbors, for fulfilling expectations of what it means to be a positive member of a community, and to communicate a willingness to cooperate in creating and maintaining a shared space.

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Americans are judging their neighbors lawns with surprising environmental consequences

Apopka Lawn Care | 407-697-3990 | Apopka Lawn Treatment | Lawn Fertilization Apopka
Apopka Lawn Care | Apopka Lawn Treatment - http://customgreenlawns.com/apopka-lawn-care-services/ Call today: 407-697-3990.

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Apopka Lawn Care | 407-697-3990 | Apopka Lawn Treatment | Lawn Fertilization Apopka - Video

Americans love their lawns a littletoo much, perhaps. And like all loves, this one too has its chemistry in this case, rooted innitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, the key components of lawn fertilizer. Sure, it makes the grass grow. But thats not where the effects end if people over-fertilize or fertilize carelessly, and these nutrientsend up getting into our lakes, rivers, or water supplies.

According to the U.S. EPAs New England Regional Laboratory, 40 to 60 percent of the nitrogenthat people put on their lawns through fertilizerwinds up in surface and groundwater. Take the case of the Chesapeake Bay: A significant part of the nitrogen and phosphorous that is keeping the Bay polluted comes from urban sources, according to the EPA.

Indeed, careless lawn fertilization can have suchnegativeconsequences that some states have passed laws to restrict phosphorus in fertilizer. As the New York Department of Environmental Conservationputs it, Phosphorus going into the States water has been linked to: reductions in oxygen in waterbodies necessary for fish to breathe; algae that turn water bodies green; and algae and algae by-products that degrade drinking water. Scotts Miracle-Gro, a leading maker of fertilizers and lawn products, itselfannouncedthe removal of phosphorus from a key line of fertilizer products,TurfBuilder, in 2013, saying this was a partial solution to nutrient runoff that can lead to excessive algae growth in waterways.

In general, the concern is that excess nutrients in water can lead to a process of eutrophication, in which algal blooms fed by nitrogen, phosphorous and other nutrients change the chemistry of water bodies, choke off sunlight (potentially killing off plants below the surface) and foster the growth of harmful cyanobacteria. It has been estimated that the damage from eutrophication to U.S. water supplies costs$ 2.2 billionayear to address.

Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution has the potential to become one of the costliest, most difficult environmental problems we face in the 21st century, concluded the EPA in 2009.

This isnt your typical environmental issue, though the cause is not simply some single big polluter. While the eutrophication problem arises from many sources much of it can be traced to agriculture and wastewater treatment plants another key contributor is thelarge number of Americans busily tending tosome37.5 million acres of turf-grass covered residential lawns,and sometimes making mistakes that across our population, can really add up.

For some reason, these Americans feel that their lawns have to look a certain way super green, with turf grass standing tall, as opposed to an alternative, less environmentally impactful lawn approach and that fertilizer is the way to get that to happen. So what underlies the belief?

Keeping up with the Joness fertilizer

The short answer seems to be: Our neighbors. A growing amount of research suggests that people fertilize and over-fertilize their lawns in significant part out of a sense of what those who live around them expect their lawns to look like.

In apaperpublished in 2012, for instance, Amanda Carrico of Vanderbilt and two colleagues found strong social pressures surrounding lawn maintenance in the Nashville, Tenn., area. Some 48 percent of people told the researchers that they used fertilizer on their lawns, and the study found that social pressures were a leading key predictor of their use of fertilizer. As the researchers concluded, maintaining a lawn is an avenue for engaging with ones neighbors, for fulfilling expectations of what it means to be a positive member of a community, and to communicate a willingness to cooperate in creating and maintaining a shared space.

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Forget what your neighbors think stop using too much fertilizer on your lawn

Ocoee Lawn Care | 407-697-3990 | Ocoee Lawn Treatment | Ocoee Lawn Fertilization
Ocoee Lawn Care | Ocoee Lawn Treatment - http://customgreenlawns.com/ Call today: 407-697-3990.

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Waring beautiful lawns Kent
via YouTube Capture Lawn treatment service base in Kent England...

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Waring beautiful lawns Kent - Video

Windermere Lawn Care | 407-697-3990 | Windermere Lawn Treatment |Windermere Lawn Fertilization
Windermere Lawn Care | Windermere Lawn Treatment - http://customgreenlawns.com/ Call today: 407-697-3990.

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Brevard Lawns is the premier full service lawn carecompanyfor Melbourne Florida. We are proud to offer full online service for your lawn care needs. Our services include professional lawn maintenance packages starting at $70 permonthcustomized to fityour individual household needs. We use only the highest quality products and top commercialequipment on your lawn to ensure your yard looks picture perfect every time.We guaranteethat ourexperienced lawn care professionals willmaintain a professional appearance while providing prompt and courteousservice at the lowest price possible.

Brevard Lawns is a professionally licensed, insured and certified lawn serviceprovider. We serve both residential and commercial properties throughout Melbourne, Brevard County Florida. Don't trust your lawn careto just anyone with a lawnmower.

Brevard Lawns is licensed and bonded. We offer a wealth of knowledge, experience andexpertise along with online service. Why pay the same price elsewhere and receive half of the service?

Call or email us today for a free estimate!

(321)-305-4117

Lawn Care in Brevard County Florida can be a daunting task. During the summer months the grass grows several inches per week. Save yourself the hassle of working out in the heat and hire a professional lawn care company located in Melbourne FL. We are the premier Melbourne Florida lawn care provider!

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BREVARD LAWNS | The grass is always greener on our side of ...

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Since 1906, more families have chosen to come to us for their funeral and cremation needs than any other provider in Southern California. The reason is simple. We provide a more personal type of attention, a more professional level of service, and a wider range of price options. Explore our locations by clicking the Locations icon above. Give us a call or drop by at any time and wed be happy to show you how a little bit of planning can make a big difference.

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Theres a lot going on at Forest Lawn. From museum exhibits that spotlight world-renowned artists to free events for the whole family, Forest Lawn brings art, music, education, and more to the communities it serves.

This month, you can view our iconic stained glass of Light & Passion which tells the story of Easter. Click here for more information. View All Events

Recently named one of the Top 10 Free Museums in the country by Yahoo Travel, Forest Lawn Museum is committed to enriching the community through the educational presentation of artwork that focuses on history, culture and religion.

Enjoy our current exhibit, Revolutions 2, featuring a dazzling array of music-themed art such as original posters and album artwork. To order limited-edition prints, books and more, click here to visit the Museum Store page and call them at 323-340-4782 to order.

At Forest Lawn, cremations are different. Each one comes with a memorial service thats personalized, bringing together family and friends so they can console each other and share their memories. Contact us today and well send you a free brochure that tells you all about cremation, memorial services, niches, and all the other ways you can personalize your goodbye at Forest Lawn.

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We have all heard cases of strange failed tax deductions, such as writing off a personal racehorse as a business entertainment expense, a toothless actor being unable to write off his dentures, and our personal favorite a business owner who had his store burned by an arsonist, claimed the insurance as income, and tried to deduct the arsonists $10,000 fee as a business expense. Some people just dont know when to stop.

However, there are more than a few odd tax write-offs that do manage to pass IRS scrutiny, or are later approved by the Tax Court. They probably will not apply in your case, but who knows.

1. Addiction Treatment Certain types of addiction treatments may be written off under Medical and Dental expenses. Examples include smoking cessation programs (but not nicotine gum or patches), weight loss expenses that are related to specifically diagnosed diseases such as obesity and high blood pressure, and inpatient treatment for alcohol and drug addiction.

For the majority of taxpayers, addiction treatment expenses (along with other medical and dental expenses) may be deducted beyond the threshold value of 10% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

2. Breast Implants While cosmetic procedures are not normally deductible, an exotic dancer successfully argued that her breast implants were a necessary part of her business, and that without the implants, she would lose income to other exotic dancers. Insert your own joke here.

3. Breast Pumps Is anyone sensing a theme? Breast pumps as well as other devices to increase lactation for new mothers are deductible as necessary medical devices.

4. Clarinet Lessons Clarinet lessons in general are not deductible, but if they are part of an orthodontists regimen to help deal with an overbite, they may be deductible as a medical expense. The way a clarinet is positioned in the mouth decreases the pain of an overbite. Both the cost of the clarinet and the lessons may be deducted.

5. Guard Animals If you use a guard dog or other animal to protect your property, you may be able to deduct some of the costs of caring for that guard animal. The Tax Court even allowed cat food to be deducted for a cat that was deemed necessary to a junkyard to keep it free of rats and snakes. Presumably, you would have a difficult time deducting a guard opossum or halibut.

6. Pet Moving Expenses Moving expenses associated with job relocation include the expenses of relocating your pet, and all of those expenses are deductible above-the-line meaning they reduce your adjusted gross income (AGI) and can be taken whether or not you itemize.

These expenses may not be much if your move is a relatively short drive but shipping your dog or cat across the country is relatively expensive not to mention transporting your horse.

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Seven Unusual Tax Deductions

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) --

But spring really is coming, and with it, the rush to have that emerald green lawn.

Dr. Diane Lewis, an avid gardener and kidney specialist who says she "really knows water," wants us to think before we break out the weedkillers, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Since the enactment of the Clean Water Act, industrial pollution of the nation's waterways and drinking water has dropped dramatically.

Now, the big danger comes at home.

She points to a U.S Fish & Wildlife Service report, which shows that homeowners are the biggest danger to the nation's drinking water, that they are now using 10 times more harmful chemicals than farmers.

"Farmers know how to use them in the right proportions," says Dr. Lewis, whereas homeowners think more is better when it comes to weed and pest control.

A 2013 study from the U.S. Geological Survey found lawn and garden chemicals in every stream, river, and lake, and in about half of our well water.

She says, "We're at a tipping point with these dangerous chemicals."

"They don't just disappear," she added.

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Making yards green, and healthy for all