If this is done, he said, it will significantly decrease the amount of weeds that spring up later in the season.

Aerating lawns is another good task that will give a yard a fresh new look. Bremer said this allows the ground to breathe easier and will also revive nutrients.

“If they do this though, the fertilizer should be put on afterwards,” he cautioned.

Ottumwa residents are also encouraged to be careful when they fertilize.

A recent notice sent out by the City of Ottumwa Public Works Department said that the city has seen and increase in algae in the lakes and rivers, which is a direct result of fertilizer and debris washing off lawns and gardens into the city’s storm sewers.

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Scott Niles can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at sjniles@mchsi.com.