Understanding Manitoba’s Lawn Care Regulations: What You Need to Know About Pesticides, Fertilizers, and Water Use

As Manitobans, we take pride in our vibrant summers and the lush greenery that transforms our yards into outdoor havens. But did you know that there are lawn care regulations in place to help keep our lawns healthy while protecting our environment? Let’s explore what you need to know about Manitoba’s lawn care regulations when it comes to pesticides, fertilizers, and water use so you can have a beautiful lawn that’s also good for our province.

Winnipeg’s Yard Maintenance Requirements

Did you know, Winnipeg has a Community Service page on their local website dedicated to maintaining your yard and property?

Here’s the lawn care regulations from Winnipeg’s website, that lists what homeowner are responsible for when it comes to their lawn and property maintenance:

• noxious weeds must be controlled on a property.
• fences must be maintained in weather resistant condition by application of paint or preservative and kept in good condition.
• properties must be free from any accumulation of dog or animal wastes.
• properties must be maintained so that litter, refuse or other debris do not accumulate so as to be unsightly.
• properties must kept free of derelict vehicles or auto parts.
• accessory buildings must be maintained and be protected with a weather resistant paint or preservative.

Manitoba’s Cosmetic Pesticide Changes

Manitoba has made significant changes to its cosmetic pesticide legislation. These changes were made to protect human health and the environment, and to respond to concerns raised by Manitobans. Some of the key changes include restricting pesticide use in sensitive areas such as schools, child care centres, and hospitals. There are also new restrictions on pesticide use in municipal playgrounds, picnic areas, dog parks, and provincial parks. However, Manitobans can still apply all pesticide products that are registered with Health Canada, except in sensitive areas.

What This Means for You

Here’s a quote from Manitoba’s website: “Homeowners now have the flexibility to use any domestic class pesticide registered with Health Canada on their lawn. All users must follow the directions provided on a product’s label.”

What This Means for Lawn Care Professionals

Lawn care professionals in Manitoba must be licensed, use only federally-registered pesticides, and strictly follow the instructions on Health Canada approved labels.

See full Cosmetic Pesticide Changes article from Manitoba’s website.

Restrictions on Lawn Fertilizer in Manitoba

Did you know there are new restrictions on lawn fertillizer containing phosphorus in Manitoba? As of January 1, 2009, fertillizers with more than 1% of phosphorus by weight cannot be used on lawns in Manitoba.

How To Identify: Product Identification Numbers

There are three identifying numbers on a bag of fertilizer. A zero as the second number indicates phosphorus free fertilizer.

Exceptions to Fertilizers Containing Phosphorus

Expectations are important to note. Fertilizers containing phosphorus may be used when starting new lawns or if a soil test indicates it is needed. *  

These restrictions do not apply to fertilizers used for: 

• agricultural crops
• flowers and vegetable gardening
• trees or shrubs

No Fertilizer Near Bodies of Water

In Manitoba, you cannot use any fertilizers, not even zero phosphorus fertilizer, in areas near bodies of water.

To help protect Manitoba’s vulnerable waters, do not applying any type of fertilizer:

• within three metres of rivers, streams, creeks, wetlands and storm water retention ponds.
• within 15 metres from lakes, reservoirs, springs and wells.
• within 15 metres of vulnerable rivers such as the Assiniboine or Red Rivers.
• within 30 metres of vulnerable lakes such as Lake Winnipeg or Killarney Lake.

Residential Water Conservation & Responsibility

Residents in Winnipeg can conserve water in a variety of ways, both indoors and outdoors. In the kitchen, wash dishes in a full dishwasher instead of rinsing and washing by hand, and they can thaw frozen food in the refrigerator instead of using running water. For in the bathroom, you can take shorter showers instead of baths, and promptly repair leaky faucets and toilets. In the laundry room, wash only full loads of laundry and use the appropriate water level setting for the load size. Outdoors, residents can water their lawns and gardens only when necessary, and use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering. Homeowners can also choose drought-resistant plants for landscaping in their yards. 

For the full residential water conservation list, see Water Conservation ideas from Winnipeg’s Water and Waste Department.

Additional tips for conserving water in Winnipeg:

• Check your water metre regularly to monitor your water usage.
• Replace old appliances and fixtures with water-efficient models.
• Fix leaky faucets and toilets promptly.
• Take shorter showers and baths.
• Only wash full loads of laundry.
• Water your lawn and gardens only when necessary.
• Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering.
• Choose drought-resistant plants for your landscaping.

Manitoba’s Water Protection Handbook: Everyone’s Responsibility

If you want to learn more about ways Manitoba is trying to conserve and save water, there is a beautifully designed and concise handbook you’ll want to read, Manitoba’s Water Protection Handbook: Everyone’s Responsibility. This handbook talks about the valuable resource that is water, our many lakes, surface water monitoring, groundwater, drinking water, man-made water quality problems, and how to protect our water. It also reviews lawns and gardens, household hazardous waste and environmentally sensitive choices, and even boating!

Examples of Hazardous Household Products:

• • household bleach, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, furniture polishes, aerosol spray cans
• • oil-based paint, wood stains and preservatives, turpentine, paint strippers, solvents • pesticides – weedkillers and bug sprays
• • gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, antifreeze, transmission and brake fluid, car batteries
• • photographic chemicals

To read more, read the complete PDF, Manitoba’s Water Protection Handbook: Everyone’s Responsibility.

Understanding Manitoba’s lawn care regulations is essential not only for maintaining a healthy and vibrant lawn, but also for protecting our province’s precious environment. By embracing natural alternatives to pesticides, using fertilizers responsibly, and conserving water, we can all contribute to a greener and more sustainable Manitoba. Remember, a thriving lawn doesn’t have to come at the expense of our ecosystems. With a little knowledge and effort, we can cultivate beautiful outdoor spaces. Your lawn can be a source of pride and a testament to your commitment to a healthy environment.

Want more information or need free lawn care quote? Contact us today and we will ensure a weed-free lawn while following the provinces guidelines.

FAQs