Office of Resource Conservation
Dwight Dotterer
Nutrient Management Program Manager
- [email protected]
- Main
- 410-841-5877
Turfgrass Nutrient Management
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News and Announcements
Lawn fertilizer blackout dates begin November 16 for do-it-yourselfers, with a limited extension for lawn care pros. Read the news release for more information.
A single fertilizer application may not exceed 0.9-pound total N per 1,000 sq ft, which can include no more than 0.7 pound of soluble N per 1,000 sq ft.
A soil test is required before phosphorus may be applied to established lawns. Soil testing information can be found at the University of Maryland Extension's website.
Keep fertilizer 10 to 15 feet away from waterways.
Remember...Do not apply fertilizer to lawns if heavy rain is expected.If you hire a company or individual to fertilize your lawn, they must be certified and licensed by the department. Click this link for a list of certified lawn care pros that you can hire.
Updated:
Maryland's lawn fertilizer law
Maryland's lawn fertilizer law helps protect the Chesapeake Bay from excess nutrients entering its waters from urban sources, including golf courses, parks, recreation areas, businesses and thousands of lawns. Nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, are key ingredients in lawn fertilizer. When it rains, unused nutrients can wash into nearby storm drains and streams that empty into the Chesapeake Bay.
Once in our waterways, these nutrients contribute to the growth of algae blooms that block sunlight from reaching Bay grasses, rob the water of oxygen and threaten underwater life. While certain restrictions on fertilizer use have been in place for farmers since 2001, everyone needs to do their part to protect and restore the Bay. Maryland’s lawn fertilizer law took effect October 1, 2013.
For lawn care professionals
Lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizer to lawns must be certified by the department or work under the direct supervision of an individual who is certified. This includes professionals for hire as well as individuals responsible for turf management at golf courses, public parks, airports, athletic fields, businesses, cemeteries and other non-agricultural properties.
- Get certified: The department offers fertilizer applicator training and certification exams throughout the year.
- Renew certificates annually by December 31: Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certificates are valid through December 31 of each year. Certificates may be renewed yearly for a $100 fee and verification of recertification training.
- Apply for a business license: Licenses are required for individuals and businesses that fertilize turf. Licenses are valid for up to one year and expire on December 31 of each year. Download a business license application. - PDF - 249.2 KB
- File Annual Fertilizer Application Reports by March 1 of each year. Save time by filing electronically at Maryland OneStop.
- Avoid penalties: Violators are subject to civil penalties of up to $1,000 for the first violation and $2,000 for each subsequent violation.
- View our quick reference guide for lawn care pros
Hired Certified
Residents, homeowners, property owners and businesses that want to hire a lawn care pro to fertilize their lawns can find verified companies in the documents below.
Fertilizing your own lawn?
Learn how to keep your lawn healthy while protecting the Chesapeake Bay — including what to buy, when to apply, and how much to use.
Related contacts
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Nutrient Management Program Manager