November 15 Is the Last Day Homeowners May Apply Fertilizer to Lawns This Year

Annapolis, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds citizens that November 15 is the last day they may fertilize lawns under Maryland’s new Lawn Fertilizer Law.  Lawn care professionals have until December 1, provided they use specially formulated products that reduce the risk of nutrient runoff into streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.  Both citizens and lawn care pros may resume lawn fertilizer applications March 1, as long as the ground is not frozen or heavy rain is not predicted.

Maryland’s lawn fertilizer law became effective October 1, 2013 and includes new Bay-friendly rules for both for lawn care professionals and homeowners to follow when fertilizing lawns. In addition, lawn care professionals must be licensed and certified by MDA to apply fertilizer to the properties they manage. MDA maintains a list of certified lawn care professionals on its website at www.mda.maryland.gov/fertilizer. The law requires both homeowners and lawn care pros to follow University of Maryland fertilizer recommendations and use best management practices when fertilizing lawns.  Lawn fertilizer products containing nitrogen or phosphorus CANNOT:

■ Be applied by homeowners between November 16 and March 1

■ Be applied by lawn care pros between December 1 and March 1. From November 16 through December 1, only water soluble nitrogen (not slow release) may be applied to lawns at a maximum rate of ½ pound per 1,000 square feet 

■ Be applied to lawns when the ground is frozen or if heavy rain is predicted

■ Be used to de-ice walkways and driveways

■ Be applied within 15 feet of streams or other waterways. This setback is reduced to 10 feet if a drop spreader, rotary spreader with deflector or targeted spray liquid is used.

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

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