Lawn Fertilizer With Some Elements Banned In MD Starting Nov. 16

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Residents in Howard County are reminded that Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law takes effect Nov. 16, prohibiting them from fertilizing lawns with products containing phosphorus and nitrogen. The law specifies that such fertilizer cannot be applied from Nov. 16 to Feb. 29, 2020.

An exception exists for lawn care professionals who are allowed to apply up to 0.5 pounds of soluble or insoluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to lawns they manage until Dec. 1.

Potassium and lime may still be applied during the blackout dates, since they are not considered a threat to water quality. Citizens and lawn care professionals may begin applying fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus on March 1, 2020, as long as the ground is not frozen or heavy rain is not predicted. A soil test is required before phosphorus may be applied to established lawns.

The state agriculture department also reminds citizens that the law prohibits anyone from using fertilizer products to melt ice and snow on steps, sidewalks or driveways. Applying fertilizer to hard or frozen ground provides a direct pathway for nutrient runoff into storm drains that feed into the Chesapeake Bay.