A fertilizer ordinance is now in effect in Hernando County.
The ordinance includes a limited application season from Jan. 1 through March 31 of each year. During this time, only professionals who are trained, certified and registered with the county may apply fertilizer.
Under the ordinance, the only kind of nitrogen fertilizer that may be applied are those that are labeled as slow- or controlled-release.
The ordinance was passed in an effort to protect the environment, as researchers say excess nutrients from fertilizer wash off lawns into nearby bodies of water, which in turn causes excessive algae growth and harms aquatic life.
Researchers say nitrogen from inappropriate use of fertilizer is the primary cause of water quality problems at Weeki Wachee Springs and the Weeki Wachee River.
Officials released a list of tips to help homeowners comply with the ordinance:
- Watch the weather and don't fertilize when heavy rain or flooding is forecast. Do not fertilize when soil is still saturated.
- Hold off on fertilizing new plants, turf seeding or sod until at least 30 days after planting.
- Do not fertilize within 10 feet of a body of water. Choose plants that don't require fertilizer for those areas.
- Use a deflector shield, drop spreader or liquid applicator with a visible and sharply defined edge if you must fertilize an area within a minimum of three feet from the top of a seawall.
- Immediately clean up fertilizer that spills on your driveway, sidewalk or street. Never allow fertilizer, grass clippings, pet waste, plant debris, gasoline or oil to be washed, swept or blown off sidewalks or roadways into stormwater drains, ditches, canals, water bodies or wetlands.
For more information, contact the Hernando County UF/IFAS Extension office at (352) 754-4433.
If you are a professional applicator who needs to register with the county, contact the Hernando County Permitting office at (352) 754-4050.