What Home Gardeners Should Know about the New Turfgrass Fertilizer Law

On July 11, 2022, Governor Wolf signed a bipartisan bill regulating fertilizer use on lawns. While the entire bill has seven components, here are the four main things to be aware of as you prepare for fall lawn maintenance:

• There are now maximum amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus that can be applied to lawns. However, if you have results from a soil test kit that recommend a rate above the law’s maximum amounts, you may follow the test’s recommendations instead. All fertilizer must be applied using appropriate equipment that is correctly calibrated.
• Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers may not be applied after December 15 or before March 1, or anytime when the ground is frozen to a depth of at least two inches or snow-covered.
• Fertilizer cannot be applied within fifteen feet of the top of a bank of a lake, pond, wetland, or flowing body of water (stream, river, or creek), with some exceptions.
• Fertilizer cannot be applied to impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, etc. Fertilizer spills on these surfaces must be cleaned up immediately.

For all of the specifics of this new law, including specific rates for nitrogen and phosphorus, visit our full article, Governor Wolf Signs Turfgrass Fertilizer Bill into Law. If you need help adjusting your fall fertilizer rates and applications, reach out to your local county Garden Hotline for support!