In late 2019, Montgomery County changed their Pesticide Laws to restrict the use of certain pesticides on private lawns, playgrounds, mulched recreation areas, and childcare facilities. Most synthetic pesticides are not allowed to treat pests in lawns.
The purpose of the law is to protect the public health and welfare and to minimize the potential pesticide hazard to people and the environment, consistent with the public interest in the benefits derived from the safe use and application of pesticides.
We spoke to Philip Catron, President and Founder of NaturaLawn® of America about the new pesticide laws and tips he has for Montgomery County residents as they care for their lawns this spring.
- Seek out a professional. It is important to use a lawn care provider who is knowledgeable about the products they are applying to your lawn and who can ensure they are compliant with the new legal requirements in place under the Healthy Lawns Act 52-14 outlawing the use of “cosmetic pesticides” in Montgomery County.
- Do your homework. Each lawn is unique, and it is critical to begin with an independent analysis of a comprehensive soil sample of your particular lawn at the outset to ensure your lawn care provider delivers the optimal combination of materials.
- Remember it’s a lawn care PROGRAM. While results are evident from the start, programs work and improve over time. A healthy lawn that is safe for your family and pets is enhanced over every season, not overnight. Focus on finding a lawn care provider who solves the problems in your individual lawn, rather than placing blame.
- Go Organic! This spring is the first season that the Healthy Lawns Act is in place outlawing the use of “cosmetic pesticides” in Montgomery County. Now, not only is it the right thing legally to do, but selecting a lawn care provider who upholds standards of environmental stewardship and uses 100% organic products is an essential way to have a healthy, safe lawn that lasts – and that is healthy for your family and pets.
- Experience counts. Just as there are several options to choose from in lawn care products and providers, there are varying levels of experts out there to select to entrust your lawn to. When you’re selecting a provider for your lawn, be sure to ask key questions to understand their application process, customer service approach, and ingredients in the materials they use to go into the relationship confidently.
To learn the specifics of the new law as well as more simple tips for caring for your lawn watch this short video:
For more information about the County’s Pesticide Laws visit- https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/lawns/law/
For more lawn care tips, products and information visit- www.naturalawn.com/rockville-
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