{"id":301384,"date":"2026-06-09T15:14:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T15:14:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/301384\/"},"modified":"2026-06-09T15:14:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T15:14:10","slug":"countys-annual-fertilizer-ban-goes-into-effect-sanibel-captiva","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/301384\/","title":{"rendered":"County\u2019s annual fertilizer ban goes into effect – SANIBEL-CAPTIVA"},"content":{"rendered":"


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LEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT<\/p>\n

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LEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT<\/p>\n

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With the arrival of the rainy season, residents and landscapers in unincorporated Lee County \u2014 including Captiva \u2014 are reminded of the seasonal blackout period for certain fertilizers.<\/p>\n

From June 1 through Sept. 30, one component of the county\u2019s annual ordinance goes into effect.<\/p>\n

\u201cSummertime is when we focus on a fertilizer restrictions,\u201d Natural Resources Department Operations Manager Lisa Kreiger said, adding that those containing nitrogen or phosphorous cannot be applied.<\/p>\n

It is to help minimize unwanted nutrients from entering drainage systems and waterways.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe summer months is when we get most of our rain,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

During this time of year when Southwest Florida sees the most rainfall, improper and unnecessary fertilization can result in runoff that sends nutrients meant to feed lawns into local waterways.<\/p>\n

Kreiger explained that the ordinance was originally put into place in 2008 to minimize the negative environmental effects of fertilizer runoff by curbing excess nutrients from entering waterbodies.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can feed HABs (Harmful Algal Blooms) in our watersheds, and they can also create other problems for fish and wildlife,\u201d she said of the fertilizer nutrients.<\/p>\n

There are other ways to keep a lawn green.<\/p>\n

Rather than cleaning up grass clippings, let them sit to break down and provide nutrients.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs far as landscape beds are concerned, they can use mulches and compost piles with vegetative scraps,\u201d Kreiger said.<\/p>\n

Proper lawn maintenance can also play a part.<\/p>\n

\u201cMow correctly to the right height for grass to be healthy,\u201d she said. \u201cIt should naturally be green and lush this time of year because of the rain.\u201d<\/p>\n

By skipping turf grass altogether, people can reduce or cut out their reliance on fertilizer.<\/p>\n

\u201cTurf grass can be quite needy in terms of fertilizer,\u201d Kreiger said. \u201cWe definitely appreciate and strongly encourage people to go with native plantings that are native to this area of Florida.\u201d<\/p>\n

Using Florida-friendly plants is also an option.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey may not be native to this area, but they do not need a lot of water, they do not need a lot of fertilizer,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

In addition to the seasonal blackout period, the county ordinance states:<\/p>\n

\u2013 Fertilizer may not be applied within 10 feet of a water body, seawall or wetland.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Fertilizer is not allowed on impervious surfaces such as roads, driveways and sidewalks.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Deflector shields are required on spreaders to prevent fertilizer from being spread into water body buffers and impervious surfaces.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Grass clippings and vegetative trimmings may not be swept or blown into ditches, drains and water bodies and onto roads or sidewalks.<\/p>\n

Additional best practices that are recommended for year-round include:<\/p>\n

\u2013 Do not fertilize your lawn if rain is forecasted. Rainfall may wash away fertilizer or cause it to leach through the soil and into waterways.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Sweep up spills. Never use a hose to wash away spilled granules. It can lead to unwanted nutrients in storm drains and waterways.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Create a 6-foot low-maintenance zone using a native planting bed or vegetative buffer that does not need to be mowed. It can minimize grass clippings from entering the water.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Pick up your pet\u2019s waste.<\/p>\n

The community is encouraged to follow the ordinance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe really appreciate the citizens in Lee County taking a part in protecting our waterbodies,\u201d Kreiger said. \u201cWe know that all the things we do can affect our waterways positively or negatively. This is something that everyone can help with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPersonal actions really go a long way because we\u2019re all in this together,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit FertilizeSmart.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In addition, the county is continuing its \u201cStop Fertilizing Gnome Matter What\u201d campaign led by Lee the Gnome. Residents will see him in TV ads, on billboards, in social media posts and at events.<\/p>\n

To gauge awareness of the ordinance, it has released a brief public survey. The results will allow it to measure understanding of the ordinance and evaluate methods used to reach and inform residents.<\/p>\n

To take the survey, visit https:\/\/lp.constantcontactpages.com\/sv\/c7gTE9y\/fertilizesmart<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2026..<\/p>\n

GIVE FERTILIZER A SUMMER VACATION<\/p>\n

\u2013 Fertilizers containing nitrogen and\/or phosphorus cannot be used during the rainy season, June 1 through Sept. 30.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Fertilizer may not be applied within 10 feet of a water body, seawall or wetland.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Fertilizer is not allowed on impervious surfaces such as roads, driveways and sidewalks.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Deflector shields are required on spreaders to prevent fertilizer from being spread into water body buffers and impervious surfaces.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Grass clippings and vegetative trimmings may not be swept or blown into ditches, drains and water bodies and onto roads or sidewalks.<\/p>\n

Source: Lee County Government<\/p>\n


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