ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 10, 2023 ) ~ The Maryland Department of Agriculture is reminding citizens and lawn care professionals that the fertilizer blackout dates authorized by Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law will begin on November 16 and end March 1, 2024. This is to help protect local streams and the Chesapeake Bay from runoff during late fall and winter when grass typically goes dormant and cannot benefit from the additional nutrients.

From November 16 through December 1, lawn care professionals may apply up to 0.5 pound of soluble or insoluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet to lawns they manage. Potassium and lime may still be applied to lawns during the blackout period. However, fertilizer products should never be used to melt ice on sidewalks, driveways, and other paved surfaces as this can easily wash into storm drains, creeks, and streams that empty into the Chesapeake Bay.

Citizens and lawn care professionals may resume lawn fertilizer applications containing nitrogen and phosphorus on March 1, 2024 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. In addition, licenses are required for individuals and businesses that fertilize turf.

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Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law requires lawn care professionals to be certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture in order to apply fertilizer to lawns they manage or work under the direct supervision of a certified individual. A list of certified lawn care professionals can be viewed online for more information about Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law and fertilizer best management practices.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture reminds citizens and lawn care professionals that the fertilizer blackout dates authorized by Maryland's Lawn Fertilizer Law will begin on November 16th in order to protect local streams and the Chesapeake Bay from runoff during late fall and winter when grass typically goes dormant. During this period, certain restrictions are in place regarding what types of fertilizers can be used while still allowing potassium and lime applications for lawns during this time frame. Citizens are also reminded not to use fertilizers on hard surfaces or frozen ground as this can easily wash into storm drains leading into the Chesapeake Bay. The blackout period will end on March 1st with citizens being able to resume normal fertilizer applications provided that ground is not frozen or heavy rain is not predicted with a soil test being required before phosphorus may be applied to established lawns.

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