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It is the time of year that lawn care and fertilizer companies start to call residents. Most of these companies will offer to quote fertilizer applications for 2006. Recent phone calls indicate that many of the applicators calling seem to be unaware of the Commerce Township ordinance or that Commercial Applicators must acquire a license from the Township (by January 30, 2006). Some are recommending more applications a year than are permitted. Below are some of the other provisions of the ordinance. Remember - the homeowner (and resident) is legally responsible as is the applicator. Fertilizers containing phosphorus cannot be used in Commerce Township.** The ordinance also regulates the use of Nitrogen. The total annual amount of nitrogen applied to 1000 square feet of turf cannot exceed five pounds per year (four pounds for lake frontage property). No more than one pound of nitrogen can be applied to 1,000square feet in any one application. Lawn Fertilizers shall not be applied more than once every six weeks or more than five times during any one calendar year to any turf area. The use of lawn fertilizer containing at least 25% of the nitrogen in a slow-release form is recommended. No fertilizer may be applied between November 15th and April 1st, any time when the ground is frozen, nor when conditions may exist that would promote or create runoff(for example when heavy rain is forecasted). Lawn Fertilizers shall not be applied more than once every six weeks or more than five times a in a calendar year. Fertilizer must be swept off any impervious surface (e.g. sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, highways and streets). Buffer Zone: No fertilizer may be applied within 15 feet of any wetland, pond, stream, watercourse or lake. ** There is a provision in the ordinance to have your lawn tested by arrangement through the township (Jeff Bowdell's office) and if test results indicate you need phosphorus you may get a special permit. The phosphorus limitation applies to lawn applications - you may use phosphorus for gardens and tree roots - but do not apply fertilizers within 15 feet of surface water or wetlands. Let's keep or water clean. Controlling (limiting) fertilizer also helps to reduce weeds and algae. Ask the applicator is they have a township permit. Be sure you do not sign a contract that has too many or too frequent applications. AND Don't waste your money over fertilizing your lawn. Remember - Lake Front a maximum of 4 applications - all lawns no phosphorus! Glenn Short Lake Sherwood Community Affairs Commerce Township Clean Water Education Committee (CWEC) http://www.commercetwp.com/Planning_Dept/PL_MSW_watershed.htm |
