Fertilize Responsibly

• WHY - For a green lawn and clean lakes
• WHAT - The rules for fertilizing
• WHO - Does this mean me?
• WHEN - Effective March 1, 2010
• WHERE - My yard too?

• Many of Orange County's surface waters are polluted with excessive nitrogen and phosphorus which are primary components of fertilizers that can cause algae blooms and fish kills
• Clean lakes, streams, and wetlands are essential for community health, well-being and quality of life; promoting environmental, economic, and recreational prosperity
• Clean water is key to a cleaner and greener future for Orange County 

• Use turf fertilizers which contain zero phosphorus (P) and no less than 50% slow-release nitrogen (N)
• Apply no more than one pound (1 lb.) of total nitrogen per 1000 square ft. at any one application
• Do not fertilize when severe storm warnings are in place or within a three-day cone of uncertainty for tropical storms or hurricanes
• Only trained residents and commercial applicators may apply fertilizer during the rainy season June 1st – Sept 30
• When applying fertilizer, stay ten (10) feet away from lakes, ponds, streams, canals, wetlands, and stormwater ponds
• Broadcast spreaders must be equipped with a shield positioned to deflect fertilizer from impervious pavement, rights-of-way, stormwater drains, ditches, and conveyances
• Sweep up fertilizer that falls on driveways, streets, and sidewalks
  Do not blow fertilizer, lawn clippings, and leaves into streets or down storm drains
• Commercial applicators must successfully complete a Green Industries Best Management Practices training program 

• The ordinance governs anyone applying fertilizer to lawn turf 

• The ordinance is effective March 1, 2010, at which time the County will begin educational compliance 

• The ordinance is applicable in Orange County including municipalities 

Commercial Applicator Certification

In Orange County: Upcoming 2012 Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices Classes is as follows: March 15; June 21; Sept. 20; Dec. 13 - For more information contact Celeste White, Commercial Horticulture Agent • (407) 254 - 9200 • celeste.white@ocfl.net or visit http://orange.ifas.ufl.edu/cflandscapes/bmp.html


Visit Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Professional Resources for more information.

Opportunities for Residents:

• Take on-line Fertilizer Application training and quiz
• Attend a Green Industries Best Management Practices Workshop - Open to the Public 
• Attend a Florida Yards and Neighborhood/Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Workshop (one hour introduction to FYN presentation does not qualify)
• Fertilize Responsibly Workshops (TBA)

• Complaints
• Questions
  • Dan Homblette, 407-836-1490, dan.homblette@ocfl.net