Protect Local Streams that Feed our Chesapeake Bay

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 1, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is reminding residents and lawn care professionals to follow Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law - PDF when caring for lawns this spring. This law is designed to protect local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay from fertilizer runoff originating from non-agricultural sources. These include golf courses, parks, recreational areas, athletic fields, businesses, and hundreds of thousands of home lawns. 

“Fertilizer products provide nutrients for healthy grass, but overusing them can harm local streams and the Chesapeake Bay,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “By following Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law, residents and lawn care professionals can maintain healthy lawns and cleaner, healthier waterways.” 

If you hire a lawn care professional to fertilize your lawn, be sure they are certified by the department’s Turfgrass Nutrient Management Program or work under the supervision of a certified professional. The department’s website - PDF has an up-to-date list of certified lawn care professionals. These individuals have been trained and tested in sound application techniques and Bay-friendly fertilizer practices.

If you care for your own lawn, watch our video. Here are some highlights: 

• Skip the spring fertilizer, especially if your lawn is healthy. Fall is the best time to fertilize cool-season grasses like fescues and Kentucky bluegrass.
• Sharpen lawnmower blades to avoid tearing and weakening the grass.
• Mow the grass high to shade out weeds and conserve moisture. Three inches is an ideal height for most lawns.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn. They provide free fertilizer all season long.

If you decide to fertilize your lawn:

• Test your soil to see if your grass will benefit from additional nutrients or lime. The University of Maryland Extension has information on soil testing. 
• Read and follow the directions on the fertilizer bag.
• Follow the University of Maryland Extension’s lawn fertilizer schedule. 
• Do not apply phosphorus (indicated by the middle number on the fertilizer bag) to lawns unless a soil test shows it is needed. 
• If fertilizer lands on sidewalks or driveways, sweep it back onto the grass or clean it up. 
• Keep fertilizer applications 10 to 15 feet away from waterways.
• Do not apply fertilizer if heavy rain is predicted.
• Obey fertilizer blackout dates: November 16 to March 1.

Additional information on Maryland’s Lawn Fertilizer Law and fertilizer best management practices is available on the department’s website. You can also visit the University of Maryland Extension website for lawn fertilizer recommendations and additional tips.