News
Fertilizer restricted season is underway Fertilizer restricted season underway in Sarasota County
Post Date:05/29/2019 12:00 PM
Sarasota County reminds the community to skip using nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on lawns and landscapes from June 1 through Sept. 30, as part of an effort to keep the community's waterways healthy.
The ordinance, which was enacted in 2007, reduces the nutrients in stormwater and helps to protect natural habitats in creeks, lakes and marine waters that receive runoff from our stormwater system.
According to Sarasota County Air and Water Quality Manager John Hickey, landscapes during the rainy season do not have enough time to absorb the nutrients in fertilizer and are washed away. Nutrient runoff can cause harmful algal blooms that block sunlight from reaching underwater grasses, rob the water of oxygen and threaten aquatic life.
"While you may think that your own yard may play an inconsequential part in the overall effects of nutrient pollution, it is important to remember that collectively, all of the yards add up. Through proper landscape maintenance techniques, and with everyone's cooperation, we can keep our yards and waterways healthy," Hickey added.
Familiarizing yourself with the regulations is important if you are doing your own lawn care or hiring a trained lawn care professional. The following tips will help keep your yard looking great during the summer:
- Look for products with "0-0" as the first two numbers on the fertilizer label.
- Apply iron, found at most garden centers, as an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to keep lawns green during the summer.
- Use compost to enrich the soil.
- Hire lawn care professionals that display Best Management Practices fertilizer decals on their vehicles.
- Buy plants adapted to Florida's hot and humid climate, and plant them in the appropriate places.
- Mow higher to encourage deep roots that resist fungus and pests.
Sweep or blow grass clippings back into the yard. Do not direct clippings into the road, stormwater system or water bodies. To learn more about fertilizer restricted season, or for more tips on how to keep the county's waterways healthy, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.
SRQ County
Posted On Sat August 17th 2019
Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer ban in effect for parts of the Suncoast
By Rick Adams | June 7, 2019 at 10:33 PM EDT - Updated June 10 at 12:29 PM
SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) - It’s that time of year again to be aware of the fertilizers that are being used on lawns and landscapes.
Fertilizers with nitrogen and phosphorous is prohibited for Sarasota County residents through September 30th. Manatee County also has restrictions. In both counties, some cities and towns have their own rules when it comes to these types of fertilizers.
Dr. Pat Williams with University of Florida IFAS Extension Sarasota County says he’s in support of this fertilizer ban.
“I think it’s very important, we’re all trying to save water, we’re all trying to be the best for our environment, we’re all trying to leave something for our kids and our grandkids and I think it’s all of our responsibilities to do the right thing,” said Williams.
Williams says these types of fertilizers could be contributing to red tide but he tells us the science isn’t there at this time to indicate it’s causing it.
Many people we talked with say they are happy to see counties and towns taking this proactive approach to help keep the Suncoast waterways healthy and clean.
“It means everything, without a healthy water quality the beach means nothing, it’s our duty to protect it,” said Mike Holderness, a Siesta Key business owner.