The law applies to homeowners and others in the green industry. Provisions of the law mark an effort to reduce contaminated storm runoff from entering our waterways.
New Pennsylvania Law Regulates Lawn Fertilizers
If you are shopping for lawn fertilizer this spring, you may notice some differences in the content of the products available. Former Governor Wolf signed the bipartisan Turfgrass Fertilizer Bill into law in Pennsylvania last July. Provisions of the law mark an effort to reduce contaminated storm runoff from entering our waterways. It regulates what fertilizers can be used on lawns, in what amounts, and when. It applies to homeowners, commercial lawn-care companies, and professionals fertilizing park lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields.
There are several requirements that homeowners need to be aware of when planning their lawn care. Typically, fertilizers for turfgrass contain three main plant nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (potash)- shorthand is NPK, with K being the element letter for potassium. The total amount of each must be listed on the bag, generally as a set of three numbers, and always in the same order. A 20-5-10 grade fertilizer will contain 20 percent nitrogen, 5 percent phosphate and 10 percent potash.
The new law prohibits phosphorus in turf fertilizers, except for organic fertilizers or those labeled as starter fertilizer or for repairing a turf area. It restricts nitrogen to specific amounts based on the rate of application and requires that any slow-release nitrogen contain at least 20 percent enhanced efficiency nitrogen. Fertilizers for commercial application must be applied using appropriate equipment that is tested and correctly calibrated.
Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers cannot be applied after December 15 or before March 1, or at any time the ground is snow-covered or frozen to a depth of 2 inches. They are prohibited within 15 feet of the top of a bank of a lake, pond, wetland, or flowing body of water (stream, river, or creek). No person may apply turf fertilizer to an impervious surface (sidewalk, driveway, street, etc.), and any inadvertent spills on these surfaces must be removed immediately.
The regulations came into being as it is estimated that fertilizers account for more than 15 percent of the total nutrient pollution occurring when nitrogen and phosphorus leach or are washed by rain into our waterways. This runoff leads to excess algae blooms that produce toxins harmful to both humans and animals. Excess fertilizer depletes oxygen needed for fish and shellfish survival. It smothers vegetation and increases treatment costs for drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been encouraging states to create legislation limiting nutrient pollution. To date, neighboring states with similar lawn fertilization laws in place include Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.
Responsible practices can assure a healthy and attractive lawn without the addition of excess fertilizer. The most important step is to test the soil where your lawn grows to determine what nutrients your lawn actually needs. Soil tests provide an accurate guide for proper fertilization. Testing is recommended every three years. An exception to the new fertilizer law allows for the application of phosphorus if it is indicated by the results of a current Penn State soil test.
Carefully read product labels and follow the manufacturer's application recommendations. Water the soil before applying fertilizer to prevent accidental burning. Use a correctly calibrated drop spreader rather than a rotary spreader to minimize overspread onto impervious surfaces. When seeding or overseeding, select a quality seed variety that matches your lawn's soil, light conditions, and expected use. Choosing the right mix for the right place will give the best results and save you time, money, and effort.
Penn State soil test kits and instructions are available from your local Extension office or online at Penn State Extension's Soil testing website. If you need help adjusting your fertilizer rates and applications, contact your local county Garden Hotline.
Maureen Karl is a Penn State Master Gardener, a volunteer program that supports the outreach mission of Penn State Extension. Extension provides research-based information on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship. For more information, contact the Penn State Extension of Allegheny County at alleghenymg@psu.edu or 412-482-3476.
