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Landscape Contractors Exempt from Fertilizer Restrictions
| Latest NewsA Frederick, Maryland lawmaker is seeking greater restrictions on phosphorous in lawn fertilizers. However, his proposed bill would not affect fertilizers used by licensed landscape contractors because the ban specifically targets residential properties.
Several state agencies have raised concerns regarding the bill. The Maryland Farm Bureau reported that reducing phosphorous would make fertilizer less effective and contribute to soil erosion, as homeowners would be unable to properly care for their lawns.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) also raised that concern, saying research from a number of states shows there are unintended consequences of mandating low or no phosphorous levels in lawn fertilizer.
An MDA chemist said making the level too low would increase areas of bare ground. That could lead to water runoff and increased levels of phosphorous loads, instead of intended decreases.
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