ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 15, 2026) ~ Maryland's annual lawn fertilizer blackout period will begin Nov. 16 and continue through March 1, 2027, the Maryland Department of Agriculture said.

The restriction, established under the state's Lawn Fertilizer Law, is intended to reduce fertilizer runoff into rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay when grass is typically dormant and less able to absorb nutrients. The department said fertilizer on hard or frozen ground can increase the risk of nutrients reaching waterways.

Residents may not apply lawn products containing nitrogen or phosphorus during the blackout period, although such products may remain available for purchase. Certified lawn care professionals may apply up to 0.5 pound of soluble or insoluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet on lawns they manage from Nov. 16 through Dec. 1, according to the department.

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Professionals who apply fertilizer must be certified by the department or work under the direct supervision of someone who is certified. Both individuals and businesses that fertilize turf must be licensed, the department said.

Potassium and lime may be applied during the blackout period by anyone if they are determined not to pose a threat to water quality. The department also cautioned against using fertilizer to melt ice on sidewalks, driveways or other paved surfaces, saying it can wash into waterways.

Lawn fertilizer applications may resume March 1, 2027, if the ground is not frozen and heavy rain is not forecast, the department said. Information on fertilizer practices and certified lawn care professionals is available on the department's Turfgrass Nutrient Management website.

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