Washington § 15.54.500 - Turf fertilizer — Prohibitions on application, sales, and retail display.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 15.54.500 — Turf fertilizer — Prohibitions on application, sales, and retail display., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 15.54.500. Turf fertilizer — Prohibitions on application, sales, and retail display.

(1) A person may not:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, apply turf fertilizer that is labeled as containing phosphorus to turf;

(b) Apply turf fertilizer labeled as containing phosphorus to turf when the ground is frozen;

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this section, sell turf fertilizer that is labeled as containing phosphorus; or

(e) Display turf fertilizer that is labeled as containing phosphorus in a retail store unless the turf fertilizer is also clearly labeled for a use permitted by this section.

(2) The prohibitions in this section on the application, sale, and retail display of turf fertilizer that is labeled as containing phosphorus, other than the prohibitions in subsection (1)(b) and (c) of this section, do not apply in the following instances:

(a) Application for the purpose of establishing grass or repairing damaged grass, using either seeds or sod, during the growing season in which the grass is established;

(b) Application to an area if the soil in the area is deficient in plant available phosphorus, as shown by a soil test performed no more than thirty-six months before the application; or

(c) Application to pasture, interior house plants, flower and vegetable gardens located on either public or private property, land used to grow grass for sod, or any land used for agricultural or silvicultural production.

(3) If a retailer can show proof that a product prohibited for sale under subsection (1)(d) and (e) of this section was in stock and physically in the retail location before January 1, 2012, that retail location may sell that product until it is sold out.

(4)(a) Nothing in this section:

(i) Requires the enforcement or monitoring of compliance with this section by local governments; or

(ii) Requires local governments to participate in the administration of this section, including the verification of soil tests under subsection (2)(b) of this section.

(b) A city or county may not adopt a local ordinance regarding the application or sale of turf fertilizer that is labeled as containing phosphorus that is less restrictive than this section.

[ 2011 c 73 s 2.]

Notes

Effective date—2011 c 73: See note following RCW 15.54.270.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 15.54.500

What does Revised Code of Washington § 15.54.500 cover?

Section 15.54.500 ("Turf fertilizer — Prohibitions on application, sales, and retail display.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 15.54.500" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 15.54.500 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 15.54.500 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.