Fertilizer Act of 2011

Did you know that one year ago, Governor Martin O'Malley signed a law that restricts the use of fertilizers in Maryland in an effort to keep excess nutrients out of the Bay.  The law limits what and when homeowners are allowed to use on their lawns and landscapes.  Below is a link to the full information, but here is the quick version.  The Fertilizer Use Act of 2011:

• Prohibits using lawn fertilizer on impervious surfaces.
  Prohibits using fertilizer:
  • Between November 15 and March 1
  • When the ground is frozen
  • Within 10 to 15 feet of waterways
• Restricts the amount of phosphorus applied to turf, with allowances when soil tests indicate low or medium phosphorus levels or when the homeowner is establishing a new lawn or repairing or reestablishing a lawn.
• Establishes maximum application rates for total nitrogen and water soluble nitrogen.
• Establishes maximum application rates for enhanced efficiency controlled-release products.
• Authorizes the county, municipality or the Maryland Department of Agriculture to enforce these requirements.

Please be aware of what you are putting into the Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland Fertilizer Act of 2011