New Jersey Fertilizer Law, Water Restrictions, and Wetland Buffers by Town
Pick your town, or start with the state rules. In New Jersey the state writes most of them, and the ones that matter most for a new lawn are the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold.
Maintained by the crew that handles sod delivery across New Jersey. Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York have their own pages: the Connecticut lawn rules by town, the Massachusetts water restrictions by town, and the New York fertilizer law and watering restrictions by town.
By CT Sod · Published September 3, 2026
Find your town
Statewide rules
New Jersey writes most of its lawn rules at the state level, and its 2011 fertilizer law is the strictest calendar in the Northeast for homeowners: no nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on lawns from November 15 through March 1 (professionals stop December 1), no more than 0.9 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 pounds per year, at least 20 percent slow-release, no phosphorus except by soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn, and a 25-foot buffer from water that drops to 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional who applies fertilizer must be certified through Rutgers.
Any lawn project that disturbs 5,000 square feet or more needs a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before it starts. Wetland transition areas are set by the state — 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate — not by the town.
And the state has been in a Drought Warning since December 5, 2025, with two-day-a-week lawn watering requested statewide and mandatory odd-even schedules imposed by individual water companies. What your town itself adds is mostly its water utility's schedule and, in a growing list of towns, a leaf blower ordinance.
The Fertilizer Law
P.L. 2010, c. 112 — N.J.S.A. 58:10A-58 et seq. and 4:9-15.8a
What New Jersey's fertilizer law requires
| Rule | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowner blackout | No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus on lawns after November 15 and before March 1 | NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
| Professional blackout | Certified applicators must finish late-fall nitrogen or phosphorus applications by December 1 and may not apply again until March 1 | NJDEP |
| Allowed in the blackout | Potassium-only products, lime, and compost | NJDEP; Rutgers NJAES |
| Nitrogen per application | No more than 0.7 lb of water-soluble nitrogen and no more than 0.9 lb of total nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, at least 20 percent of it slow-release | N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a and 4:9-15.13a |
| Nitrogen per year | No more than 3.2 lb of total nitrogen per 1,000 square feet | NJDEP guidance; Jersey-Friendly Yards |
| Phosphorus | None, unless (1) a soil test from a Rutgers-identified laboratory within the past three years shows a need, per the annual Rutgers recommendation; (2) establishing vegetation for the first time, such as after land disturbance, in accordance with the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act standards; (3) reestablishing or repairing a turf area; or (4) delivered below the soil surface directly to the roots | N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a(b) |
| Water buffer | No application within 25 feet of a water body; 10 feet with a drop spreader, a rotary spreader with a deflector, or targeted liquid spray; exception for a rescue treatment | S2554 (2010); NJDEP |
| Conditions | No application to frozen or saturated ground, during or just before heavy rain, or to impervious surfaces; spills must be swept back onto the lawn | NJDEP |
| Content standards | Since January 5, 2013, all turf fertilizer sold at retail in New Jersey must meet the nitrogen limits above and contain zero phosphorus except for the labeled exceptions | NJDEP (Phase III); Jersey-Friendly Yards |
| Professional certification | All professional fertilizer applicators must be certified, or trained and working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator, through the Rutgers ProFACT program (Professional Fertilizer Applicator Certification and Training), launched late 2011 | NJDEP; N.J.S.A. 58:10A-64 |
| Enforcement | Municipalities, counties, soil conservation districts, and local health departments; citizens may report uncertified applicators | NJDEP (C.58:10A-64) |
What this means for new sod: starter fertilizer is legal on a new lawn under exceptions (2) and (3), but the calendar is not suspended — a homeowner cannot apply it between November 15 and March 1, and a certified pro cannot after December 1. Because every bag sold in the state already meets the content standards, following the bag's spreader setting satisfies the per-application cap; the annual cap is the one to track.
How the neighbors compare: Connecticut restricts phosphorus only — the Connecticut lawn rules by town has that calendar. Massachusetts sets no calendar at all — the Massachusetts water restrictions by town explains its soil-test approach. New York bans everything December 1 to April 1, with earlier county dates on Long Island — the New York fertilizer law by town has those. New Jersey starts November 15, caps nitrogen, and is the only one of the four that requires the pro to be certified.
The 5,000 square foot rule
Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act — N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq., 1975
Any construction or land-disturbing activity of 5,000 square feet or more must have a soil erosion and sediment control plan prepared to the state Standards (32 practices, 2017 edition) and certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; District staff inspect the site during and after construction.
For a lawn: stripping and regrading 5,000 square feet of yard is a land disturbance. Most single-family sod replacements are under it; a full-lot renovation on a half-acre is over it. The town building or zoning office will ask for the District certification when a permit is involved, and some municipal ordinances apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit — check your town's row below, where town-specific applications are flagged for verification.
Ten of the 32 Standards cover establishing vegetation to stabilize soil, including sod; the District's certification will specify how disturbed soil is to be stabilized and by when. Sources: the NJ Department of Agriculture's Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Program and the Freehold Soil Conservation District.
Wetland buffers: set by the state, not your town
Freshwater wetlands are regulated by NJDEP under the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act (N.J.S.A. 13:9B), not by towns. Each wetland is classed as exceptional, intermediate, or ordinary resource value. The transition area — the buffer — is 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands (statutory range 75 to 150), 50 feet for intermediate (range 25 to 50), and none for ordinary. Wetlands that drain to trout-production waters or support threatened or endangered species are exceptional.
Prohibited in the transition area without a DEP waiver: removal, excavation, or disturbance of the soil, and the other listed activities, except normal property maintenance and minor, temporary disturbance from construction next door. Mowing an existing lawn is normal maintenance; regrading and re-sodding inside the transition area is soil disturbance and needs a transition area waiver.
In the Highlands Preservation Area and the Pinelands, buffers of 300 feet apply under those regions' own rules.
Flood Hazard Area riparian zones — 50, 150, or 300 feet from a regulated water depending on the water's classification — add a second state buffer along streams and rivers.
Coastal towns: CAFRA (the Coastal Area Facility Review Act) permits apply to certain development within the coastal zone, and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands.
Salt spray and sandy soil shape what survives near the water line, too — see the best sod for coastal lawns.
Drought and watering
NJDEP runs a four-tier system: Normal, Drought Watch, Drought Warning, Drought Emergency. A Warning is voluntary at the state level — the DEP asks residents to limit lawn watering to two days a week and hand-water shrubs and flowers — but lets DEP direct transfers between water systems. An Emergency, declared by the Governor, carries mandatory restrictions, enforcement, and fines; the last statewide Emergency ran March 2002 to January 2003.
As of the verified date, New Jersey has been under a statewide Drought Warning since December 5, 2025 — described by the State Geologist as a chronic water supply drought unlike any in more than twenty years, with below-normal precipitation in 20 of the last 24 months. Check the current tier at the NJDEP drought page before scheduling.
Under a Warning, the mandatory rules come from the water companies. Verified from 2026 coverage: Park Ridge limits sprinklers to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and Woodcliff Lake to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, both with exceptions for newly planted seed or sod (News 12, July 1, 2026); Madison runs odd-even by address (News 12); and New Jersey American Water imposed a mandatory odd-even schedule in Monmouth and Ocean counties during a prior heat wave that exempted watering new sod or seed “if daily watering is required” while asking customers to delay planting until fall (Asbury Park Press). New Jersey American Water's 2026 guidance asks customers statewide to water no more than twice a week (May 20, 2026).
The DEP also publishes a model water conservation ordinance and urges municipalities to adopt it — another reason the town-by-town rows below point you to the utility on your bill rather than a single statewide schedule.
For sod, the exemption language New Jersey utilities use — “newly planted seed or sod” or “new sod or seed if daily watering is required” — is friendlier to an install than Massachusetts' May-and-September windows or Aquarion's closed summer in Connecticut. But it is utility by utility, and in an Emergency the Governor's order controls. New sod needs water every day for roughly two weeks — here is what the first 14 days actually take.
Leaf blowers
No statewide law yet: S623, a phase-out that would first ban sales of two-stroke blowers and later their use in residential areas, was moving in Trenton as of June 2026 after dying in 2024 as S217. Among the towns: Maplewood and Montclair enacted year-round bans on gas-powered leaf blowers for commercial landscapers, Princeton restricts them for most of the year, West Orange has seasonal limits, and Madison has debated one (WOBM, March 25, 2026) — dates and hours: verify with the municipality. Every other town in the rows below: no ordinance located as of the verified date.
Dig safely: New Jersey One Call
Any excavation — and sod prep that strips an old lawn or regrades counts — requires notice to New Jersey One Call (811) at least three business days before the work. The call is free; skipping it is not.
Towns A to Z
51 municipalities verified so far, newest batch September 3, 2026. Because the fertilizer law, the erosion threshold, and the wetland buffers are statewide, every other New Jersey municipality follows the rules above plus its water utility's schedule — use the finder at the top of the page to check whether your town has been verified yet.
Allendale
In Allendale the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Allendale's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Allendale|Sod installation in Allendale |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Allendale? Report a change.
Alpine
Alpine adds no fertilizer rules of its own; the state calendar, the county erosion review, and the utility's watering days do the work here.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Alpine's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Alpine|Sod installation in Alpine |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Alpine? Report a change.
Avalon
Avalon sits on the shore side of the ledger: the utility's drought schedule and coastal-zone review join the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Cape May County that district is reported to be the Cape-Atlantic Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Avalon's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Parts of the Jersey Shore fall inside New Jersey's coastal zone, where CAFRA permits can apply to development and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands — confirm with NJDEP's coastal program whether a specific project needs review.Verify |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Avalon |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Avalon? Report a change.
Bay Head
Bay Head sits on the shore side of the ledger: the utility's drought schedule and coastal-zone review join the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Ocean County that district is reported to be the Ocean County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Bay Head's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | New Jersey American Water serves the Monmouth and Ocean county shore and has imposed mandatory odd-even watering during drought and heat, with an exemption for new sod or seed if daily watering is required; its 2026 guidance asks customers to water no more than twice a week.Source: Asbury Park Press; New Jersey American Water, May 20, 2026 |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Parts of the Jersey Shore fall inside New Jersey's coastal zone, where CAFRA permits can apply to development and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands — confirm with NJDEP's coastal program whether a specific project needs review.Verify |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Bay Head |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Bay Head? Report a change.
Bernards (Basking Ridge)
Basking Ridge follows the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold; the local layer that changes most often is the water utility's drought schedule.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Somerset County that district is reported to be the Somerset-Union Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Basking Ridge's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Basking Ridge |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Basking Ridge? Report a change.
Bernardsville
Bernardsville adds no fertilizer rules of its own; the state calendar, the county erosion review, and the utility's watering days do the work here.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Somerset County that district is reported to be the Somerset-Union Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Bernardsville's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Bernardsville |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Bernardsville? Report a change.
Chatham
In Chatham the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Morris County that district is reported to be the Morris County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Chatham's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Chatham|Sod installation in Chatham |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Chatham? Report a change.
Chester
Most of what matters for a new lawn in Chester is state law — fertilizer timing, nitrogen caps, wetland buffers — plus whatever schedule the water utility is running.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Morris County that district is reported to be the Morris County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Chester's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Chester|Sod installation in Chester |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Chester? Report a change.
Closter
In Closter the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Closter's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Closter|Sod installation in Closter |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Closter? Report a change.
Colts Neck
Colts Neck sits on the shore side of the ledger: the utility's drought schedule and coastal-zone review join the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Monmouth County that district is reported to be the Freehold Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Colts Neck's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Parts of the Jersey Shore fall inside New Jersey's coastal zone, where CAFRA permits can apply to development and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands — confirm with NJDEP's coastal program whether a specific project needs review.Verify |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Colts Neck |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Colts Neck? Report a change.
Cresskill
In Cresskill the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Cresskill's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Cresskill|Sod installation in Cresskill |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Cresskill? Report a change.
Deal
Deal sits on the shore side of the ledger: the utility's drought schedule and coastal-zone review join the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Monmouth County that district is reported to be the Freehold Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Deal's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | New Jersey American Water serves the Monmouth and Ocean county shore and has imposed mandatory odd-even watering during drought and heat, with an exemption for new sod or seed if daily watering is required; its 2026 guidance asks customers to water no more than twice a week.Source: Asbury Park Press; New Jersey American Water, May 20, 2026 |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Parts of the Jersey Shore fall inside New Jersey's coastal zone, where CAFRA permits can apply to development and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands — confirm with NJDEP's coastal program whether a specific project needs review.Verify |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Deal |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Deal? Report a change.
Demarest
Demarest follows the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold; the local layer that changes most often is the water utility's drought schedule.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Demarest's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Demarest|Sod installation in Demarest |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Demarest? Report a change.
Englewood Cliffs
In Englewood Cliffs the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Englewood Cliffs's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Englewood Cliffs|Sod installation in Englewood Cliffs |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Englewood Cliffs? Report a change.
Essex Fells
Essex Fells adds no fertilizer rules of its own; the state calendar, the county erosion review, and the utility's watering days do the work here.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Essex County that district is reported to be the Hudson-Essex-Passaic Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Essex Fells's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Essex Fells |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Essex Fells? Report a change.
Fair Haven
Fair Haven sits on the shore side of the ledger: the utility's drought schedule and coastal-zone review join the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Monmouth County that district is reported to be the Freehold Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Fair Haven's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | New Jersey American Water serves the Monmouth and Ocean county shore and has imposed mandatory odd-even watering during drought and heat, with an exemption for new sod or seed if daily watering is required; its 2026 guidance asks customers to water no more than twice a week.Source: Asbury Park Press; New Jersey American Water, May 20, 2026 |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Parts of the Jersey Shore fall inside New Jersey's coastal zone, where CAFRA permits can apply to development and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands — confirm with NJDEP's coastal program whether a specific project needs review.Verify |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Fair Haven |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Fair Haven? Report a change.
Far Hills
In Far Hills the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Somerset County that district is reported to be the Somerset-Union Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Far Hills's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Far Hills |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Far Hills? Report a change.
Florham Park
In Florham Park the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Morris County that district is reported to be the Morris County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Florham Park's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Florham Park|Sod installation in Florham Park |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Florham Park? Report a change.
Franklin Lakes
Most of what matters for a new lawn in Franklin Lakes is state law — fertilizer timing, nitrogen caps, wetland buffers — plus whatever schedule the water utility is running.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Franklin Lakes's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Franklin Lakes|Sod installation in Franklin Lakes |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Franklin Lakes? Report a change.
Harding
Harding adds no fertilizer rules of its own; the state calendar, the county erosion review, and the utility's watering days do the work here.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Morris County that district is reported to be the Morris County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Harding's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Harding|Sod installation in Harding |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Harding? Report a change.
Ho-Ho-Kus
Ho-Ho-Kus follows the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold; the local layer that changes most often is the water utility's drought schedule.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Ho-Ho-Kus's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Ho-Ho-Kus|Sod installation in Ho-Ho-Kus |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Ho-Ho-Kus? Report a change.
Holmdel
Holmdel sits on the shore side of the ledger: the utility's drought schedule and coastal-zone review join the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Monmouth County that district is reported to be the Freehold Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Holmdel's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Parts of the Jersey Shore fall inside New Jersey's coastal zone, where CAFRA permits can apply to development and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands — confirm with NJDEP's coastal program whether a specific project needs review.Verify |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Holmdel |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Holmdel? Report a change.
Little Silver
Little Silver sits on the shore side of the ledger: the utility's drought schedule and coastal-zone review join the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Monmouth County that district is reported to be the Freehold Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Little Silver's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | New Jersey American Water serves the Monmouth and Ocean county shore and has imposed mandatory odd-even watering during drought and heat, with an exemption for new sod or seed if daily watering is required; its 2026 guidance asks customers to water no more than twice a week.Source: Asbury Park Press; New Jersey American Water, May 20, 2026 |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Parts of the Jersey Shore fall inside New Jersey's coastal zone, where CAFRA permits can apply to development and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands — confirm with NJDEP's coastal program whether a specific project needs review.Verify |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Little Silver |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Little Silver? Report a change.
Madison
Madison layers more town rules than most: odd-even watering under the drought declaration and an ongoing leaf blower debate, on top of the statewide fertilizer calendar.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Morris County that district is reported to be the Morris County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Madison's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Madison runs odd-even outdoor watering by street address under the drought rules.Source: News 12 New Jersey, July 1, 2026 |
| Leaf blower rules | Madison has debated a gas leaf blower ordinance; whether one was adopted: verify with the borough.Verify |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Madison|Sod installation in Madison |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Madison? Report a change.
Mahwah
Most of what matters for a new lawn in Mahwah is state law — fertilizer timing, nitrogen caps, wetland buffers — plus whatever schedule the water utility is running.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Mahwah's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Mahwah|Sod installation in Mahwah |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Mahwah? Report a change.
Mantoloking
Mantoloking sits on the shore side of the ledger: the utility's drought schedule and coastal-zone review join the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Ocean County that district is reported to be the Ocean County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Mantoloking's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | New Jersey American Water serves the Monmouth and Ocean county shore and has imposed mandatory odd-even watering during drought and heat, with an exemption for new sod or seed if daily watering is required; its 2026 guidance asks customers to water no more than twice a week.Source: Asbury Park Press; New Jersey American Water, May 20, 2026 |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Parts of the Jersey Shore fall inside New Jersey's coastal zone, where CAFRA permits can apply to development and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands — confirm with NJDEP's coastal program whether a specific project needs review.Verify |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Mantoloking |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Mantoloking? Report a change.
Maplewood
Maplewood is one of the few New Jersey towns with its own leaf blower ban — that, plus the state fertilizer calendar and the utility's watering schedule, is what a new lawn answers to here.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Essex County that district is reported to be the Hudson-Essex-Passaic Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Maplewood's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | Maplewood bans gas-powered leaf blowers year-round for commercial landscapers; dates and hours: verify with the municipality.Source: WOBM, March 25, 2026 |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Delivery available by quote — call (203) 806-4086. |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Maplewood? Report a change.
Mendham
Most of what matters for a new lawn in Mendham is state law — fertilizer timing, nitrogen caps, wetland buffers — plus whatever schedule the water utility is running.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Morris County that district is reported to be the Morris County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Mendham's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Mendham|Sod installation in Mendham |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Mendham? Report a change.
Mendham Township
Mendham Township follows the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold; the local layer that changes most often is the water utility's drought schedule.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Morris County that district is reported to be the Morris County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Mendham Township's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Mendham Township|Sod installation in Mendham Township |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Mendham Township? Report a change.
Millburn (Short Hills)
Short Hills follows the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold; the local layer that changes most often is the water utility's drought schedule.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Essex County that district is reported to be the Hudson-Essex-Passaic Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Short Hills's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Short Hills |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Short Hills? Report a change.
Montclair
Montclair is one of the few New Jersey towns with its own leaf blower ban — that, plus the state fertilizer calendar and the utility's watering schedule, is what a new lawn answers to here.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Essex County that district is reported to be the Hudson-Essex-Passaic Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Montclair's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | Montclair bans gas-powered leaf blowers year-round for commercial landscapers; dates and hours: verify with the municipality.Source: WOBM, March 25, 2026 |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Delivery available by quote — call (203) 806-4086. |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Montclair? Report a change.
Montvale
In Montvale the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Montvale's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Montvale|Sod installation in Montvale |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Montvale? Report a change.
Morristown
Most of what matters for a new lawn in Morristown is state law — fertilizer timing, nitrogen caps, wetland buffers — plus whatever schedule the water utility is running.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Morris County that district is reported to be the Morris County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Morristown's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Morristown|Sod installation in Morristown |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Morristown? Report a change.
Mountain Lakes
In Mountain Lakes the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Morris County that district is reported to be the Morris County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Mountain Lakes's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Mountain Lakes|Sod installation in Mountain Lakes |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Mountain Lakes? Report a change.
Old Tappan
In Old Tappan the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Old Tappan's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Old Tappan|Sod installation in Old Tappan |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Old Tappan? Report a change.
Park Ridge
Park Ridge runs assigned sprinkler days under the drought rules, with an exception for newly planted sod — the row below has the schedule.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Park Ridge's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Park Ridge limits sprinkler use to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday under the drought rules, with an exception for newly planted seed or sod.Source: News 12 New Jersey, July 1, 2026 |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Park Ridge|Sod installation in Park Ridge |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Park Ridge? Report a change.
Princeton
Princeton restricts gas leaf blowers most of the year, and the rest of the lawn rulebook — fertilizer calendar, erosion threshold, wetland buffers — is state law.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Mercer County that district is reported to be the Mercer County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Princeton's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | Princeton restricts gas-powered leaf blowers for most of the year; dates and hours: verify with the municipality.Source: WOBM, March 25, 2026 |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Princeton |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Princeton? Report a change.
Randolph
Most of what matters for a new lawn in Randolph is state law — fertilizer timing, nitrogen caps, wetland buffers — plus whatever schedule the water utility is running.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Morris County that district is reported to be the Morris County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Randolph's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Randolph|Sod installation in Randolph |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Randolph? Report a change.
Ridgewood
In Ridgewood the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Ridgewood's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Ridgewood|Sod installation in Ridgewood |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Ridgewood? Report a change.
Rumson
Rumson sits on the shore side of the ledger: the utility's drought schedule and coastal-zone review join the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Monmouth County that district is reported to be the Freehold Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Rumson's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | New Jersey American Water serves the Monmouth and Ocean county shore and has imposed mandatory odd-even watering during drought and heat, with an exemption for new sod or seed if daily watering is required; its 2026 guidance asks customers to water no more than twice a week.Source: Asbury Park Press; New Jersey American Water, May 20, 2026 |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Parts of the Jersey Shore fall inside New Jersey's coastal zone, where CAFRA permits can apply to development and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands — confirm with NJDEP's coastal program whether a specific project needs review.Verify |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Rumson |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Rumson? Report a change.
Saddle River
Most of what matters for a new lawn in Saddle River is state law — fertilizer timing, nitrogen caps, wetland buffers — plus whatever schedule the water utility is running.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Saddle River's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Saddle River|Sod installation in Saddle River |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Saddle River? Report a change.
Spring Lake
Spring Lake sits on the shore side of the ledger: the utility's drought schedule and coastal-zone review join the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Monmouth County that district is reported to be the Freehold Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Spring Lake's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | New Jersey American Water serves the Monmouth and Ocean county shore and has imposed mandatory odd-even watering during drought and heat, with an exemption for new sod or seed if daily watering is required; its 2026 guidance asks customers to water no more than twice a week.Source: Asbury Park Press; New Jersey American Water, May 20, 2026 |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Parts of the Jersey Shore fall inside New Jersey's coastal zone, where CAFRA permits can apply to development and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands — confirm with NJDEP's coastal program whether a specific project needs review.Verify |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Spring Lake |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Spring Lake? Report a change.
Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor sits on the shore side of the ledger: the utility's drought schedule and coastal-zone review join the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Cape May County that district is reported to be the Cape-Atlantic Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Stone Harbor's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Parts of the Jersey Shore fall inside New Jersey's coastal zone, where CAFRA permits can apply to development and the Wetlands Act of 1970 covers tidal wetlands — confirm with NJDEP's coastal program whether a specific project needs review.Verify |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Stone Harbor |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Stone Harbor? Report a change.
Summit
Summit follows the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold; the local layer that changes most often is the water utility's drought schedule.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Union County that district is reported to be the Somerset-Union Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Summit's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Summit |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Summit? Report a change.
Tenafly
Tenafly adds no fertilizer rules of its own; the state calendar, the county erosion review, and the utility's watering days do the work here.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Tenafly's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Tenafly|Sod installation in Tenafly |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Tenafly? Report a change.
Tewksbury
In Tewksbury the state writes most of the lawn rules — the fertilizer calendar and the 5,000 square foot erosion threshold — and the water utility adds the schedule on top.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Hunterdon County that district is reported to be the Hunterdon County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Tewksbury's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Tewksbury |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Tewksbury? Report a change.
Upper Saddle River
Upper Saddle River follows the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold; the local layer that changes most often is the water utility's drought schedule.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Upper Saddle River's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Upper Saddle River|Sod installation in Upper Saddle River |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Upper Saddle River? Report a change.
West Orange
West Orange runs seasonal leaf blower limits of its own; everything else that governs a new lawn here — fertilizer timing, erosion review, wetland buffers — comes from the state.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Essex County that district is reported to be the Hudson-Essex-Passaic Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check West Orange's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | West Orange sets seasonal limits on gas-powered leaf blowers; dates and hours: verify with the municipality.Source: WOBM, March 25, 2026 |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Delivery available by quote — call (203) 806-4086. |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in West Orange? Report a change.
Westfield
Westfield adds no fertilizer rules of its own; the state calendar, the county erosion review, and the utility's watering days do the work here.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Union County that district is reported to be the Somerset-Union Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Westfield's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Westfield |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Westfield? Report a change.
Woodcliff Lake
Woodcliff Lake runs assigned sprinkler days under the drought rules, with an exception for newly planted sod — the row below has the schedule.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Woodcliff Lake's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Woodcliff Lake limits sprinkler use to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday under the drought rules, with an exception for newly planted seed or sod.Source: News 12 New Jersey, July 1, 2026 |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Woodcliff Lake|Sod installation in Woodcliff Lake |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Woodcliff Lake? Report a change.
Wyckoff
Wyckoff follows the statewide fertilizer calendar and erosion threshold; the local layer that changes most often is the water utility's drought schedule.
| Fertilizer | New Jersey's statewide fertilizer law applies: homeowners may not put nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer on a lawn from November 15 through March 1, and certified professionals stop December 1. Nitrogen is capped at 0.9 lb per 1,000 square feet per application and 3.2 lb per year with at least 20 percent slow-release; phosphorus only with a recent soil test or when establishing or repairing a lawn; applications stay 25 feet back from water, 10 feet with a drop spreader. Every professional applicator must hold Rutgers ProFACT certification.Source: P.L. 2010, c. 112; N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a; NJDEP Healthy Lawns Healthy Water |
|---|---|
| Erosion and site work | Disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of soil requires a soil erosion and sediment control plan certified by the county Soil Conservation District before work begins; for Bergen County that district is reported to be the Bergen County Soil Conservation District. Some municipalities apply the threshold to lawn work with no other permit involved, so check Wyckoff's own rules for smaller jobs.Verify |
| Wetlands and buffers | Wetland buffers come from the state, not town hall: NJDEP sets transition areas of 150 feet for exceptional-value wetlands, 50 feet for intermediate, and none for ordinary-value wetlands. Regrading or re-sodding inside a transition area needs a DEP waiver. Check NJDEP's wetlands mapping for your parcel before working near wet ground.Source: N.J.S.A. 13:9B-16 and 13:9B-17; NJDEP |
| Water utility and watering rule | Watering rules come from the local water utility, and the state has a drought declaration in effect — check the current schedule with the utility named on the water bill before laying sod.Verify |
| Leaf blower rules | No town ordinance located as of the verified date. |
| Coastal review | Inland municipality — New Jersey's coastal-zone review (CAFRA) does not apply. |
| Local sod pages | Sod delivery in Wyckoff|Sod installation in Wyckoff |
| Last verified | September 3, 2026 |
Spotted a change in Wyckoff? Report a change.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When is it illegal to fertilize a lawn in New Jersey?
Homeowners may not apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus from November 15 through March 1. Professional applicators must stop by December 1 and may resume March 1. Potassium-only products, lime, and compost are allowed year-round.
How much nitrogen can I put on a lawn in New Jersey?
No more than 0.9 pounds of total nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application, with no more than 0.7 pounds of it water-soluble and at least 20 percent slow-release, and no more than 3.2 pounds per 1,000 square feet per year.
Is starter fertilizer legal on new sod in New Jersey?
Yes. The law allows phosphorus when establishing vegetation for the first time or when reestablishing or repairing a turf area. The blackout dates still apply, so a lawn installed after November 15 waits until March 1.
Does my landscaper need a license to fertilize my lawn in New Jersey?
Yes. Every professional fertilizer applicator must be certified through the Rutgers ProFACT program or work under the direct supervision of someone who is. New Jersey is the only state in the Northeast with that requirement.
Do I need a permit to install a new lawn in New Jersey?
Not for the sod itself. If the work disturbs 5,000 square feet or more of soil, a soil erosion and sediment control plan must be certified by the county Soil Conservation District first. Inside a wetland transition area, any soil disturbance needs an NJDEP waiver.
How far from a wetland can I put a lawn in New Jersey?
The state sets the buffer, called a transition area: 150 feet for an exceptional-value wetland, 50 feet for intermediate, none for ordinary. Mowing an existing lawn inside it is allowed as normal maintenance; grading or re-sodding inside it needs a DEP transition area waiver.
Are there watering restrictions in New Jersey right now?
New Jersey has been under a statewide Drought Warning since December 5, 2025. The state asks for two-day-a-week lawn watering voluntarily, and individual water companies have imposed mandatory odd-even or assigned-day schedules, several of which exempt newly planted sod or seed. Check your water company and the NJDEP drought page.
Which New Jersey towns have banned gas leaf blowers?
Maplewood and Montclair ban gas-powered leaf blowers year-round for commercial landscapers, Princeton restricts them for most of the year, and West Orange has seasonal limits. A statewide phase-out bill, S623, was pending in 2026.
Sources
- NJDEP, Healthy Lawns Healthy Water (fertilizer law phases and enforcement)
- NJDEP, blackout dates flyer
- N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.8a, specialty fertilizer requirements (LawServer)
- N.J.S.A. 4:9-15.13a, retail sale limits (Justia)
- NJ Department of Agriculture, Fertilizer Law compilation
- Rutgers NJAES, NJ Fertilizer Law restrictions on home lawn applications
- Jersey-Friendly Yards, New Jersey's Fertilizer Law
- NJ Department of Agriculture, Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Program
- Freehold Soil Conservation District, Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
- NJ Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act (EPA-hosted text)
- In re Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act Rules (NJ Supreme Court, 2004)
- Rutgers, New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands Buffers and Transition Areas (2025)
- NJDEP, Drought Information
- NJDEP release 26/P020 (May 5, 2026)
- WHYY, New Jersey drought warning persists into summer months (May 22, 2026)
- News 12, Mandatory water restrictions in place for multiple NJ counties (July 1, 2026)
- New Jersey American Water, summer watering guidance (May 20, 2026)
- WOBM, New Jersey bans list 2026 update (leaf blowers)
The rules above describe a job done in the right order: the erosion math before the regrade, the NJDEP wetlands map before the design, the water company call before the sod order, and starter fertilizer timed to a calendar that does not bend.
CT Sod delivers fresh-cut sod across New Jersey with a one-pallet (500 square feet) minimum — sod delivery across New Jersey has the coverage map and sod installation in New Jersey the install footprint — and will walk through the fertilizer calendar, the erosion threshold, and the water company's rules for a specific address before a quote.
Questions about your town's rules?
Call and we will talk through the fertilizer dates, watering rules, and permit questions for your address before anything is ordered.