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SBEP, TBEP remind residents not to use fertilizers with nitrogen or phosphorus through Sept. 30th

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The Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) remind residents not to use fertilizer products with nitrogen and phosphorus on their lawn or flower beds through the end of September. Urban fertilizer ordinances in Pinellas, Sarasota and Manatee Counties and the City of Tampa prohibit fertilizer use from June 1 through September 30. Using too much fertilizer with nitrogen and phosphorus in the summer has an adverse impact on water quality and aquatic life. Excess chemicals are flushed into Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay through tributaries and storm pipes following heavy summer rains.

Alternative products are available with iron, magnesium and manganese. Slow-release products with these micronutrients feed lawns and plants gradually and for a longer period of time. The chemicals are easily absorbed by plants and less likely to end up in local waterways with other stormwater runoff following heavy rains.

Learn more by visiting BeFloridian.org, the TBEP website, or the SBEP website.