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Fertilizers and the Watershed

Protect Our Waters While Fertilizing!

The Township’s lakes, streams, wetlands, drains and natural watercourses are precious assets and must be preserved. Certain compounds containing nitrogen and phosphorus commonly found in fertilizers may contribute to the excessive and detrimental growth of algae and aquatic plants. On March 28, 2010, the Township Board enacted an ordinance to regulate the application of fertilizers used in the Township by registering commercial applicators and by providing guidelines for fertilizer application rates. The following documents provide guidance regarding Fertilizer Ordinance provisions and the registration process. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Engineering & Environmental Services Department at 248.594-2800 or email us.

Fertilizer Ordinance
Commercial / Institutional Applicator Registration Materials with Fee Resolution
Frequently Asked Questions

The Fertilizer Ordinance requires that all Institutional and Commercial Fertilizer Applicators applying fertilizer within Bloomfield Township be registered. Following registration, applicators meeting the guidelines of the Fertilizer Ordinance will be listed below.

2013 Registered Applicators

Bernard Wargiela Lawn	248.830.7648
Birmingham Lawn Maintenance	248.673.1740
C & G 4 Season Maintenance	248.478.4114
Classic Turf	248.349.4636
Custom Greenery	248.471.1776
Custom Lawn Care Services, Inc.	248.462.4404
Custom Personalized Lawn Co.	810.736.3214
D & B Landscaping, Inc.	734.524.1030
Davey Tree Expert	330.673.9511
Diamond Lawn Service	248.588.1888
Elowsky Lawn Service, LLC	248.802.6514
Eradico Services- Weed Man	248.477.4800
Great Oaks Maint. & Horticulture	248.449.4223
Green Cut	248.701.3885
Greener Still, Inc.	313.838.4500
Greenland Lawn Care	248.689.0099
Hersch’s Lawn Spray, Inc.	248.543.2200
Holden Green Turf, Inc.	248.828.0220
Independent Lawn Service	734.667.2476
Kiwi Landscaping	248.685.1014
Land Art, Inc.	248.344.8873
Lawn Feeders, Inc.	248.549.4110
Michigan Greens Keeper, Inc.	248.393.0973
Mike’s Tree Surgeons	248.588.0202
Owen Tree Service, Inc.	810.724.6651
Quick Green Lawncare	248.698.4103
Scotts Lawn Service	586.254.6849
Service Master	248.852.0500
Troy Clogg Landscape Assoc., LLC	248.685.0123
Turf One Sterling, Inc.	248.391.9800
United Lawnscape, Inc.	586.752.5000
Westside Forestry Service, Inc.	248.349.4636

Why Use a Low-Phosphorus, Slow-Release Fertilizer?

Protect lakes, streams and groundwater;
Promote steady and uniform grass growth;
Avoid over-fertilization and "burning" of grass;
Provide essential nitrogen for building healthy turf grass.

Understanding Fertilizer Labels - Easy as 1-2-3!

All fertilizers are labeled with three numbers that provide the percentage weight of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potash (K). To protect waterways that are easily polluted by very small amounts of phosphorus and/or nitrogen, select a zero-phosphorus fertilizer. Soil in the Township is naturally rich in phosphorus and does not need it in fertilizers.

Soil Assessment Information

Several local landscapers and nurseries offer soil nutrient load evaluation and soil testing for a fee. Please visit the Oakland County MSU – Extension webpage to find out more about this service.

Questions For Your Lawn Care Provider

1. Have you read and do you understand Bloomfield Township’s fertilizer regulations?
Answer should be yes! Indicate your desire for the contractor to comply with these regulations.

2. Are you using a slow-release Nitrogen formula?
Answer should be yes because a slow-release formula allows for an even and measured release of nitrogen to the soil. Fast-release formulas can result in runoff of excess soil nutrients.

3. Are you using a fertilizer containing phosphorus (P)?
If the answer is "No", you have a healthy lawn without adding unnecessary nutrients. You are making a good effort to protect the environment. Before fertilizer formulations containing phosphorus are applied to your property, your contractor is required to perform a soil test to determine the nutrient levels in your soil and to confirm there is a need to use phosphorus on your lawn.

4. Are you fertilizing areas within 25 feet (or more) of a lake, stream, drain, river, wetland or any other watercourse?
Answer should be No!

Additional Information

For more information regarding the Fertilizer Ordinance please contact the Engineering & Environmental Services Department at 248.594.2800 or email us.

Useful Links

Fertilization of Landscape Trees And Shrubs
Michigan Legislation Restricts Phosphorus Applications
Impact of Fertilizer Regulations - Ann Arbor Study
EPA - Nitrogen & Phosphorus Pollution Webpage
MSU Turfgrass Science Site – Maintaining Waterfront Turf
MSU Extension - Soil Testing Page

Updated March 2013

Charter Township of Bloomfield
4200 Telegraph Road
P.O. Box 489
Bloomfield Township, MI 48303-0489
248.433.7700
All information © 2013 Bloomfield Township, Michigan

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