Many States' Lawn Laws Require Pesticide Notification

By Amy E. Feldman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Time to fertilize the lawn? In addition to a lawncare professional you might also want to talk to a lawyer.

Because most fertilizers and pesticides can harm the lawn if applied during the hot, dry weather, many lawn care professionals will advise you that Fall is the time for such applications. You might know your way around a lawnmower but do you know your way around the laws that govern your lawn?

In 21 states plus the District of Columbia, lawn care companies are required to post notices of an upcoming pesticide application so that neighbors can keep their kids and pets off your newly treated lawn. But it is estimated that only 19% of homeowners hire lawn care professionals. The remainder cut their own grass and apply their own fertilizer and pesticide. That means that the homeowner may be required to post notices of a lawn care application.

If you don't know what your state or municipality requires, go on line and type the name of your state into a search engine, along with the words 'pesticide notification laws' to see if your state requires you to post a notice - or it's the neighbors and the authorities who could become pests.