MDA Reminds Marylanders to Protect Local Waterways and the Chesapeake Bay by Following New Lawn Fertilizer Law

ANNAPOLIS, MD  – Now that spring is finally here, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds homeowners and lawn care professionals that responsible lawn care practices can make a big difference for the health of streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland’s new lawn fertilizer law took effect October 1, 2013, and includes new requirements for both homeowners who fertilize their own lawns and lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizer to residential, business and public properties. 

“Turf grass is now the largest crop in Maryland,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “As you begin working outside this spring, keep in mind that the way you care for your lawn can make a difference for the Bay,” he added.

Lawn care professionals must now be licensed and certified by MDA to apply fertilizer to the lawns that they manage. This helps ensure that they understand the science behind turf management and the environmental practices they will need to follow in order to protect water resources from excess fertilizer. MDA encourages homeowners to verify that their lawn care provider is certified by visiting www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

In addition, Maryland law prohibits most lawn fertilizer products from containing phosphorus—a key nutrient that is responsible for the Chesapeake Bay’s “dead zones.” Look for the middle number on a bag of fertilizer. It should be zero (0). Specialty products containing phosphorus are still available and may be used when a soil test indicates the need for phosphorus or when a lawn is being established, repaired or patched. Maryland’s lawn fertilizer law also limits the amount of nitrogen contained in lawn care products and requires part of this nitrogen to be in a slow release form.

Homeowners can make a difference for the Bay this spring by following these best management practices:

• Skip the spring fertilizer. Fertilizing lawns in the spring promotes excessive top growth at the expense of roots. 
• Sharpen lawnmower blades. A cleaner cut looks better and is healthier for the grass. 
• Raise the cutting height of the mower. Taller grass shades out weeds and needs less water. A three inch cut length is ideal for most lawns.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn. They provide free fertilizer all season long.

If you must fertilize:

• Always follow University of Maryland fertilizer recommendations. Learn about soil testing. Visit https://extension.umd.edu/hgic for seasonal and yearly fertilizer recommendations. 
• Use only phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer
• Do not apply fertilizer to sidewalks or other impervious surfaces. Clean up excess fertilizer. 
• Keep fertilizer applications 10 to 15 feet from waterways.
• Do not apply fertilizer if heavy rain is predicted.

For more information, visit www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer.

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