Fertilizer Regulations

The excessive use of fertilizer is the second greatest source (after wastewater) of the nitrogen pollution that threatens the health of our Island’s coastal ponds. While responsible fertilizer use is essential to our Island’s agricultural tradition, curtailing the heavy inputs of nitrogen deployed in pursuit of suburban-style monoculture lawns represents one of the best “low hanging fruits” for restoring our critically imperiled ponds.

That’s why, during the 2014 Town Meetings, voters of all six Island towns approved a new bylaw that would regulate the sale and use of lawn fertilizer. Importantly, the regulations apply to everyone – homeowners as well as professional lawn care companies.

The bylaw, intended to protect our waters by reducing nutrient pollution, was created by the MV Boards of Health incorporating input from the MV Commission, other elected officials, local landscapers, golf course managers, UMass Extension scientists, and many members of the community, including VCS. While the new rules are thorough and well-considered, and not especially onerous in what they restrict, they are also not necessarily simple to understand for the average homeowner.

Therefore, to help spread the word about how to comply with the new bylaw while maintaining a healthy, non-polluting lawn, VCS has prepared an informational brochure. Look for it in Island garden supply stores, or check it out online. Also, please do let us know if you would be interested in helping spread the word around your neighborhood; we can provide as many copies of the printed brochure as you need.