Melbourne residents with green thumbs (or even those who have to grudgingly do yardwork) are getting a reminder from the city: a fertilizer ban starts this Wednesday.

  • Fertilizer ban goes through Wednesday until Sept. 30
  • Blowing grass clippings into streets, storm water drains is illegal

The summer rainy season ban on fertilizer use goes into effect this Wednesday until Friday, Sept. 30.

The city is also reminding residents that it’s illegal to blow grass clippings into streets and storm water drains any time during the year. Instead, clippings should be bagged, composted or blown back into yards.

“With the algae bloom and fish kill that recently occurred, residents need to be conscious of how fertilizing during the rainy season and blowing grass clippings into the storm water system adversely impact the Indian River Lagoon,” said Melbourne City Engineer Jenni Lamb.

Penalties for violating either of the ordinances include a $200 fine.