Fertilizer restricted season starts June 1

Sarasota County is reminding the community to skip using nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer on your lawn and landscape from June 1 through Sept. 30, as part of fertilizer restricted season.

Enacted in 2007, the restriction protects water quality and natural habitats in creeks, lakes, and marine waters that receive runoff from our stormwater system by reducing the nutrients in stormwater.

According to Sarasota County Environmental Protection Division Supervisor Laura Ammeson, the runoff of nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, contribute to poor water quality. Excessive or improper use of fertilizer in landscapes is a significant source of excess nutrients to local waterways. This excess of nutrients can result in algal blooms and other undesirable conditions.

"Our water resources are one of the reasons that Sarasota County is such a special place to live, so we want to keep the bay blue, not green," added Ammeson.

Sarasota County suggests using iron, manganese, and magnesium to keep your lawn green. In addition, if you keep your grass clippings on your lawn, it will provide fifty percent of the nitrogen your lawn needs and reduce your maintenance activity. Another tip is to keep your grass a little taller than usual, as taller grass develops deeper roots and helps your lawn withstand heat and dry spells.

To learn more about fertilizer restricted season, or for more tips on how to keep the county's waterways healthy, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000.