Proper Lawn Fertilization is Now Law

Though few homeowners may realize it, caring for our lawns can upset the delicate chemical balance of the environment.  Fertilizer runoff can carry commonly used nutrients into local streams and waterways that can starve native fauna and flora of oxygen and give rise to invasive species.  This is why eco-sensitive landscaping is so important.

Now in effect, the New Jersey Fertilizer Law A2290 aims to protect all surface and ground waters from injury caused by nitrogen and phosphorus loads common to lawn fertilizers.  The toughest fertilizer law in the nation, the NJ law pre-empts all local ordinances, and homeowners need to be aware of the new rules.

There is no reason that a well-executed lawn care program cannot build a full, healthy turf, that in itself helps control erosion and minimize runoff caused by heavy rains, while abiding by the new law. 

The NJ law focuses on nitrogen and phosphorus.  Nitrogen is what gives lawns that “green kick,” by providing proper nutrition to the chloroplasts, which perform photosynthesis and make plants green.  However, excess nitrogen can threaten coastal water quality where many species of plants and animals live. 

When washed by rains into bays and other waterways, excess nitrogen allows algae and other aquatic plants to grow out of control, starving fish and other wildlife of oxygen.  Algae blooms also reduce sunlight to sea grasses that prevent marsh erosion and provide protective habitat for marine animals.  Phosphorus is used to promote strong root growth.  Excess phosphorus can reduce fresh water quality.

Over-fertilizing also causes these nutrients to wash into lakes making it difficult and less enjoyable for people to swim because of the growth of invasive aquatic plants. To defeat these plant invasions, some towns have spent tens of thousands of dollars to remove invasive species such as milfoil, a plant with long thin stalks.

Here's what you need to know: 

• Homeowners are prohibited from applying fertilizer between Nov. 15 and March 1, whenever the ground is frozen, or anytime onto impervious surfaces.
•  Fertilizer must not be applied within 10-25 feet of any water body, depending on type of spreader used, or anywhere just before or during heavy rainfall.
• For consumers - The annual total for all applications must not exceed 3.2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft.  Consumers should carefully follow application instructions on fertilizer bags to comply.
• For professionals – The annual total for all applications should not exceed 4.25 pounds nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft.  Professionals are also barred from applying fertilizer between Dec. 1 and March 1. 
• Professionals must be trained and certified to comply with the new laws.  Homeowners should ask their landscapers to ensure that they have met the law’s required training.
• Fertilizer manufacturers must include 20 percent slow-release nitrogen in their products.
• Fertilizer containing phosphorus may only be used on established turf after a soil test, less than three years old, determines that the nutrient is necessary.  Otherwise, phosphorus may be used when establishing new or repairing old turf.
• Retailers will still be able to sell fertilizer with the old nitrogen standards for up to two years, but it is best to ask your retailer for fertilizer that complies with the current standards.

Fines for violations go up to $1,000 for repeated offenses.  But this shouldn’t be the reason we all comply with the law.  Clean waterways, vibrant ecosystems, and a healthier New Jersey should be reasons enough.

Robert Schucker is the owner of R & S Landscaping. R&S wants to know: How important is green landscaping to you? Take the survey.