Dane County has a reminder for homeowners this spring. Fertilize your lawns phosphate–free.

The county banned the use of fertilizer with phosphorous in an effort to protect its lakes.

The lakes and watershed commission reports that phosphorous run-off causes algae that threatens fish.

Customers will not find fertilizer with phosphorous on store shelves, but one store manager at Dorn True Value says they will find effective and less expensive alternatives. Larry Roth says, "It's setup same way. We had four–step, gives you complete coverage on your lawns. Just phosphate free packages are different color so it throws everybody when they look at them."

Customers still can get fertilizer with phosphorous. Exceptions to the county law include new grass or grass tested with a soil kit that indicated the need for phosphorous.