Orlando, Fla.—As a responsible homeowner in Florida, you should be aware of rules and restrictions of anything that could have an impact on our natural resources. For example, did you know your lawn fertilizer can be harmful for our water supplies, once it runs down? The chemicals from fertilizers that get pushed into waterways have been blamed for algae blooms that dissolve oxygen and kill fish. Now you get it? While phosphorous and nitrogen are nutrients that feed and make lawn gorgeous, they also cause algae to grow.
That is the reason why many Florida counties have certain restrictions on when, and what is in your lawn fertilizer. In some counties, properties located closer to a waterbody are already prohibited from using fertilizer at any time of the year. Properties located farther inland, still have a risk of runoff washing into watersheds, where it will funnel into rivers, lakes, or oceans. The summertime heavy afternoon rains may exacerbate this effect and is reason enough for concern. The application of any fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus between June 1 and September 30, or when the National Weather Service predicts heavy rain to occur within 24 hours is prohibited in many counties.
Many ordinances include two notable exemptions, one of which is golf courses; the other is for property owners able to demonstrate a phosphorous deficiency in their landscape. If your landscape contractor suspects a phosphorous deficiency, soil testing will confirm it and produce the documentation required for local authorities. Keep in mind that some counties ordinances establish a fine of around $10,000 for no compliance.
Tips to prevent nutrient pollution:
- Skip the fertilizer during the summer rainy season or June 1st to September 30th.
- Near waterfront: Fertilizer-free zone begins 10 feet back from the top of the slope towards any seawall or body of water.
- Landscape maintenance: Blow grass clippings, sand, and leaves back in the yard.
- Irrigation: Reclaimed water is liquid nutrients. Overwatering causes leaching of nutrients. Conserve water and skip the fertilizer. Select the reclaim water map image to see if you can reduce your fertilizer use.
- Take a homeowner landscape class to learn best practices for landscape maintenance. Landscaping is one of the best ways to increase the value and sale-ability of your home, and it will save a great deal of expense to learn to do it yourself.
Just as keeping your lawn beautiful and in good condition is important to you, keeping your entire home properly insured is truly a wise decision, as a responsible homeowner.
Talk to our local experienced agents at Orlando Insurance Center, and let them know what your needs and priorities are.You will be presented with options from multiple insurance companies, and be able to compare rates as well as coverage to then determine your path to provide the best protection for you and your family. We can help you save in the purchase of insurance bundles! Give us a call today at (407) 680-1214— for an initial consultation and quotes from among 20 different insurance carriers who support us!
Lizandra Mezquita
LICENSED AGENT
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"Email me" <lizandra [at] buscandoseguro [dot] com>