Pembroke Fertilizing Lawn Services

Our Fertilizing Lawn Process

Contact Pembroke’s Department of Public Works for Fertilizer Container Disposal & Municipal Composting Programs

Proper disposal of fertilizer containers and participation in municipal composting are essential for environmental safety in Pembroke. Residents should utilize household hazardous waste events, typically held 2–4 times annually, for liquid fertilizer containers after performing a triple-rinse procedure. Plastic fertilizer bags may be accepted in municipal recycling—always check local guidelines. Biodegradable paper packaging can be placed in yard waste collection (April–November). For finished compost, Pembroke offers bulk delivery and seasonal distribution, with compost (N-P-K 1-1-1 to 2-2-2) ideal for improving acidic soils. In case of spills, immediately contain with absorbent materials, notify emergency services (911 for major spills), and contact the Pembroke Department of Public Works
100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 293-5762
Official Website: Pembroke Department of Public Works . Never dispose of fertilizer in regular trash, storm drains, or streets; always store securely in original, labeled containers.

Professional Soil Testing & Nutrient Assessment Requirements for Pembroke’s Glacial Till & Rocky Upland Soils

Soil testing is mandatory for responsible nutrient management in Pembroke’s glacial till and rocky upland soils. The UMass Soil & Plant Nutrient Testing Lab
305 Stockbridge Hall, UMass Amherst, MA 01003
Phone: (413) 545-2311
Official Website: UMass Soil & Plant Nutrient Testing Lab provides comprehensive analysis (pH, N, P, K, organic matter, micronutrients). Pembroke soils are typically acidic (pH 5.5–6.5); lime (dolomitic, 50–100 lbs/1,000 sq ft) is recommended to raise pH to 6.0–7.0. Use the USDA Web Soil Survey to identify local soil series (glacial till, marine clay, urban fill) and drainage. Develop a written nutrient plan based on test results, following UMass Extension rates (0.75–1.0 lb N/1,000 sq ft/application for Kentucky bluegrass, max 3–4 lbs N/year). Adjust for shade (reduce N 25–30%), traffic, and compaction.

Massachusetts Fertilizer Regulations & Professional Licensing Requirements for Pembroke

Fertilizer use in Pembroke is governed by Massachusetts General Laws and local ordinances, with special attention to phosphorus restrictions in coastal and watershed communities. Phosphorus is prohibited except for new lawns or documented soil deficiency (<30 ppm). Nitrogen applications should not exceed 0.9–1.0 lb N/1,000 sq ft per application. All commercial applicators must hold a Category 36 license from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 626-1700
Official Website: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources , complete specialized training, and maintain detailed application records. Liability insurance (minimum $1M per occurrence) and compliance documentation are required for all professional services.

Pembroke Conservation Commission Requirements for Fertilizer Application Near Wetlands & Protected Areas

Fertilizer application near wetlands and protected areas in Pembroke is regulated under the Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40). Permits or notifications are required for work within 25–100 feet of wetlands or streams. No-fertilizer buffer strips are mandatory, and organic-only products are recommended in sensitive zones. Protect groundwater and surface water by preventing nutrient runoff, coordinating with MassDEP watershed programs, and adhering to TMDL requirements for impaired waters. Always avoid application on impervious surfaces and use deflector shields near sensitive areas. For guidance, contact the Pembroke Conservation Commission
100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 293-3844
Official Website: Pembroke Conservation Commission . See Wetlands Protection for more information.

Seasonal Fertilization Calendar & Weather Timing for Pembroke’s Climate Zone 6b

Pembroke’s USDA Zone 6b climate requires careful timing for fertilizer applications:

• Early Spring (April–May): 0.5–0.7 lbs N/1,000 sq ft when grass resumes growth; avoid heavy N.
• Late Spring (late May–early June): Optional 0.5 lbs N if needed; many skip to prevent summer stress.
• Summer (July–August): Avoid applications during heat/drought; Kentucky bluegrass may go semi-dormant.
• Primary Fall (September): Most important; 0.9–1.0 lbs N/1,000 sq ft for root development.
• Late Fall (October–November): 0.7–0.9 lbs N/1,000 sq ft (slow-release N, potassium). Coordinate with the National Weather Service Boston/Norton
  445 Myles Standish Blvd, Taunton, MA 02780
  Phone: (508) 823-1900
  Official Website: National Weather Service Boston/Norton for rain-free periods (24–48 hours), avoid >0.5 inch rain, and irrigate post-application if needed. Adjust for microclimates and shade.

Water Quality Protection & Stormwater Management in Compliance with Pembroke’s MS4 Program

Pembroke’s MS4 stormwater program, in coordination with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
One Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5500
Official Website: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection , requires best management practices (BMPs) to prevent nutrient runoff. Key practices include:

• Equipment calibration for uniform application
• Immediate cleanup from impervious surfaces
• Buffer strips (10–25 feet) from water bodies and storm drains
• Secondary containment for mixing/loading
• Record-keeping (date, location, product, rate, weather) Soil-test-based applications reduce unnecessary fertilization, especially phosphorus, and support long-term soil health. See MA Stormwater Standards and Clean Water Act for regulatory details.

Professional Application Standards, Equipment Calibration & Safety Protocols

Professional fertilizer application in Pembroke requires strict adherence to technical and safety standards. All commercial operators must be certified under MDAR Category 36 and complete ongoing education. Equipment calibration is mandatory annually using catch pan testing, with pattern and rate checks. Application techniques include overlapping passes (12–24 inches), proper speed (3–4 mph rotary, 2–3 mph drop), and edge guards. Safety protocols require PPE (glasses, gloves, masks), daily equipment inspection, and emergency response readiness (eye wash, MSDS/SDS on-site). Quality control includes pre-application soil test verification, post-application monitoring, and customer education on irrigation and mowing.

Integrated Nutrient Management & Organic Fertilizer Options for Pembroke’s Acidic Soils

Sustainable nutrient management in Pembroke prioritizes cultural controls and organic options:

• Mow at 3–4 inches (Kentucky bluegrass), 3.5–4 inches (tall fescue)
• Grasscycling returns 25% annual N (~1 lb/1,000 sq ft)
• Core aeration (annual/biannual) improves nutrient uptake
• Overseed with improved cultivars for reduced N needs For acidic soils, use slow-release N (≥50% slow-release), compost-based or natural organic fertilizers, and dolomitic lime (50–100 lbs/1,000 sq ft) to raise pH. Annual compost topdressing (1/4–1/2 inch) enhances organic matter and soil structure. Beneficial microorganism inoculation (mycorrhizal fungi, compost tea) supports long-term soil health and reduced input needs.

Pembroke Community Development Guidelines for Fertilizer Application & Public Safety Protection

The Pembroke Board of Health
100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 293-2718
Official Website: Pembroke Board of Health oversees public notification and safety for fertilizer applications. Requirements include advance posting (signs for 24–48 hours post-application), re-entry intervals (24–48 hours for granular, until dry for liquid), and setbacks (50–100 feet from wells, schools, playgrounds). Protect children and pets by timing applications mid-week and coordinating with school schedules. Emergency contacts: Poison Control 1-800-222-1222, product label numbers, 911 for serious exposure. Equipment must be decontaminated between properties, and storage must be secure and labeled. Community education is promoted through workshops and partnerships with UMass Extension.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Pembroke, MA?

Pembroke’s neighborhoods each present unique soil and environmental characteristics:

• North Pembroke: Glacial till, moderate drainage, acidic pH (5.5–6.5), mature trees, buffer zones near wetlands
• Bryantville: Rocky upland soils, moderate compaction, Kentucky bluegrass dominant, some perennial ryegrass
• Hobomock: Marine clay, slow drainage, higher compaction, fine fescue in shade, organic matter 2–4%
• Pembroke Center: Urban fill, variable drainage, higher traffic, HOA restrictions, irrigation systems common
• East Pembroke: Proximity to conservation lands, organic-only recommendations, perennial ryegrass/fine fescue mix
• Silver Lake Area: Wetland proximity, strict buffer enforcement, public water supply protection, low-input standards
• Oldham Village: Older development, compacted soils, mature landscapes, lime needs, Kentucky bluegrass/fescue mix Each area requires tailored nutrient management, buffer compliance, and consideration of community standards and infrastructure.

Pembroke Municipal Ordinances for Fertilizer Application Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Pembroke’s municipal ordinances set standards for commercial fertilizer application:

• Operating hours: 7:00 AM–9:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM Saturdays (verify Sunday restrictions)
• Licensing: business license, MDAR Category 36, contractor registration, insurance (min $1M liability, environmental impairment, workers’ comp)
• Safety: traffic control, work zone setup, pedestrian safety, public notification, right-of-way permits
• Environmental: material handling, vehicle maintenance, immediate cleanup, waste documentation Coordination with the Pembroke Department of Public Works
  100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
  Phone: (781) 293-5762
  Official Website: Pembroke Department of Public Works and compliance with MassDEP/local ordinances are required for all commercial services.