Fall Fertilization: How Agrolawn Feeds Your Lawn Without Polluting the Bay in Maryland

• On September 30 2025

Having the opportunity to live around the largest estuary in the United States is a blessing, but one we shouldn't take for granted. As Maryland homeowners, we're all familiar with the Chesapeake Bay's fragility, and environmentally harmful landscaping practices can put the natural beauty of Maryland at risk.

At Agrolawn, we treat local lawns with environmentally safe practices and products to maintain the natural health and beauty of our state. Let's review how poor lawn care can harm the environment, and how we take daily precautions to be the most eco-friendly lawn care team in Maryland.

Can Lawn Care Harm Our Environment?

Unchecked lawn care can harm the environment through the runoff of nitrogen. High nitrogen fertilizers can leach into nearby bodies of water with improper use. As a result, algae will feed on it and bloom in bodies of water, damaging the ecosystem and wildlife.

With a bit of care, nitrogen runoff from fertilizer can be easily prevented while still growing the lush lawn of your dreams. Professional lawn care services, like Agrolawn's, that follow state regulations protect the environment and reduce runoff, so you can feel proud of your choices. Chesapeake Bay researchers have developed clear lawn care guidelines, and it's up to us to ensure we abide by them in our services.

Step-by-Step: How We Feed Your Lawn Responsibly

AgroLawn uses slow-release granular nitrogen fertilizer that provides more uniform plant growth over a longer period of time. This method of feeding, compared to quick-release, reduces the chances of leaching and run-off into nearby bodies of water, keeping them crystal-clear and algae-free. We also maintain environmentally safe lawn care by avoiding applications right before a rainfall, giving nitrogen-based fertilizers time to soak into the soil and improve root uptake.

We're also working internally to improve our Bay-Safe lawn care practices. The Agrolawn team receives frequent training and updates on regulations, safety, and environmental issues. Our fertilizer applicators undergo Maryland lawn care certification through state exams and webinars, ensuring that every one of our employees is knowledgeable and compliant in creating lush lawns that thrive without harming local streams.

Should you need a brand new lawn or overseeding, we sow native cultivars that are naturally drought-resistant and beneficial to the local environment. Selecting native grass types for your lawn improves water conservation and supports the local wildlife.

Chesapeake Bay Protection & State Regulations

Soil Testing

Since the Chesapeake Bay is a valued and protected area in Maryland, the state has several regulations to shield the area from harm. By law in Maryland, one must do soil tests before feeding. This small step guarantees that we're only feeding your lawn exactly what it needs, rather than overdoing it or adding unnecessary amendments.

License and Certification

Lawn care professionals hired to apply fertilizer to turf must be certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture or work under someone who is certified to guarantee safe practices. In addition, Licenses are required for individuals or businesses engaged in fertilizing turf. Businesses are required to employ at least one certified professional fertilizer applicator. This certification and license must be renewed yearly for the environment, applicators', and customers' well-being.

Black-Out Dates

Maryland law states that lawn fertilizer may not be applied between November 16 and March 1 to avoid excessive nitrogen near the Bay. Another state restriction states that phosphorus fertilizer applications are only permitted in cases where the soil is lacking in nutrients. While it cannot be used routinely, it can be used when the soil is low in phosphorus.

Breaking Down Agrolawn's Bay-Safe Fertilizer Program

Agrolawn's Lawn Care Program features Bay-Friendly fertilizer practices so you can feel at ease with your lawn. We apply slow-release granular fertilizer feedings four times throughout the growing season for slow and consistent feedings. We may also apply organic lime to increase the availability of soil nutrients and reduce leaching. The program also includes a soil conditioner once per growing season, which will reduce runoff by improving the soil structure.

You can always rely on the fact that our team is trained and certified to be as environmentally friendly as possible. At every point, our applicators always follow federal and state regulations for the safety of the Chesapeake Bay, your home, and your family.

More Bay-Safe Lawn Care Tips From Agrolawn

Looking for more ways to be a responsible lawn owner in the Chesapeake Bay area? Here are some quick tips to ensure you're leaving our state's beauty untouched:

• Don't supplement with quick-release fertilizers: Slow-release fertilizers are less likely to leach into nearby streams, rivers, or lakes.
• Don't fertilize right before rainfall: Planning your application around rainy weather helps your lawn soak up more fertilizer, leaving your lawn happier and the Bay fertilizer-free.
• Leave grass clippings on your lawn: Instead of raking up grass clippings after a mow, leave them be to naturally fertilize the lawn and improve soil structure. Leafy organic matter improves soil water retention, which naturally prevents runoff after a fertilizer application.
• Avoid overwatering: Avoiding overwatering in lawn care prevents nutrient runoff and soil erosion, helping keep the Chesapeake Bay clean and free from excess fertilizer pollution.
• Balance soil pH with amendments: Maryland soil generally leans acidic due to high rainfall and plenty of organic matter. Adding soil amendments like lime will balance the soil pH and improve fertilizer absorption so it doesn't leach into nearby bodies of water.

Protect the Bay's Beauty with Environmentally-Safe Maryland Lawn Care with Agrolawn!

Every time it rains, our lawns can either feed the Bay or feed our turfgrass. At Agrolawn, we work hard to ensure it's your lawn that's fertilized- not the Bay!

Need a helping hand with your lawn care this fall? Our professional lawn care technicians are ready to provide eco-friendly lawn care in Maryland. Since 1995, we've served homeowners with a reliable full-service lawn care program designed to ready your turf for winter and help it thrive in the spring. Contact us today for a quote!