Summer Fertilizer Use Rules
Per an Orange County Fertilizer Management Ordinance, from June 1 through September 30, ONLY fertilizers with ZERO NITROGEN and ZERO PHOSPHORUS are permitted to be applied to all areas of property covered by lawn, turf, and landscape plants. This is due to the abundance of rain the area gets during these summer months, which flushes the pollutants from lawns into our local waterbodies.
Violations of this ordinance are subject to Orange County Chapter 11 code violation penalties, including monetary.
The Orange County’s Fertilizer Management Ordinance applies to every resident in Winter Garden. This annual summer fertilizer helps protect our springs, lakes, and rivers. (The ordinance became effective June 1, 2022.)
By doing something as simple as choosing fertilizer carefully and applying it properly, together we can make a big impact on the health of our natural water bodies.
Please remember the following fertilizing tips year-round:
- All areas of property covered by lawn, turf, and landscape plants are subject to the fertilizer ordinance.
- Deflector shields must be in place when using broadcast spreaders next to streets, inlets, ditches, conveyances, and waterways.
- No fertilizer or grass clippings shall be deposited on streets, driveways, or in storm drains.
- No fertilizer can be applied within 25 feet from waterways.
- Application sites should maintain a 10-foot low maintenance zone -- planted area with no fertilizing, mowing, or maintenance – adjacent to water bodies.
- No fertilizer shall be applied when the National Weather Service issues any advisory for severe thunderstorm, flood, tropical storm, or hurricane.
Also, please note: From October 1 through May 31, fertilizers containing nitrogen are permitted; HOWEVER, the fertilizers must contain at least 65% slow release nitrogen.
Click here for more information about Orange County’s Fertilizer Management Ordinance and how to fertilize responsibly.