Fertilizing in Fort Lauderdale

Plants, animals, and people depend on clean water for survival. When too much fertilizer is applied to landscapes, it seeps past the root zone of the grass, plants, or trees and into the aquifer, or it runs off into our canals, lakes, and rivers. Avoid weed-and-seed products, use slow-release fertilizers, and fertilize lawns, trees, and plants only to maintain health. Fertilizer will not help poor growth caused by poor plant placement, disease, or pests.

A good general purpose landscape fertilizer is phosphorous-free and contains only 15 percent of both nitrogen and potassium. This will be printed on the fertilizer bag’s label as 15-0-15. The fertilizer should contain micronutrients, and one with 7.5 percent slow-release nitrogen is recommended. If phosphorus is necessary for lawn maintenance, the fertilizer should contain 0.2 percent or less as Fort Lauderdale soil is naturally high in phosphorus.

When necessary, based on plant condition, fertilizer application is recommended twice per year, once in spring and again in the fall. It should be applied at a rate of no more than one pound per thousand square feet.

A good rule of thumb when applying fertilizer is “less is best” to protect the environment. Even if fertilizer is applied at proper rates, too much water following fertilizing can result in leaching or runoff. Just ¼ inch of water is all that is needed for fertilizer to seep into the lawn. It is especially important to avoid fertilizing just before heavy rainfall.

Fertilizer Use Prohibited June 1 to September 30

The application and use of fertilizer containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus is prohibited during the rainy season from June 1 to September 30. To protect the environment, limit stormwater runoff, reduce the potential for algal blooms, and improve the quality of waterways. One of the main causes of algal blooms is excess nutrients in our waterways. During the rainy season, fertilizer containing these nutrients will run off into our waterways due to the frequency and severity of rainfall. Read our fertilizer use ordinance here: ftlcity.info/fertilizer.

Look for Alternatives to Traditional Products

There are alternatives to using traditional insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizer that are effective and less harmful to the environment. Products are now being introduced to meet the demands of gardeners who prefer to use fewer toxic chemicals on their plants. Read labels carefully and consult with your nursery or home improvement store representative for advice. An alternative to using fertilizer is composting, which can improve soil fertility.

Whatever method you choose, please remember that fertilizing your lawn is a choice, not a necessity. Following proper lawn care and fertilizing guidelines can result in a healthy, aesthetically pleasing lawn with minimal or no impact to the environment.

Using Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers with Care

• Use organic, biodegradable, non-toxic pesticides and fertilizers that are low to no phosphorus.
• Only treat problem areas.
• Carefully follow manufacturer's directions. Apply only the recommended amounts and avoid applying if rain or wind is forecasted.
• Mix and load fertilizers or pesticides on grassy or dirt areas, not on driveways or paved surfaces, and never near the water's edge.
• Apply only ¼ inch of water to soak lawn chemicals into the ground. Avoid over watering. It washes excess lawn and garden chemicals away.
• Sweep up excess amounts of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Never hose them into storm drains.
• Never dump lawn, garden, or any other products down a storm drain. It is a crime and could result in fines.
• Dispose of lawn and garden chemicals at a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off event.
• Store left over fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other hazardous chemicals dry, covered area to protect containers from deterioration resulting from exposure. Storing them outside could result in the product leaking out and being washed into a storm drain during rain or when you water your garden.
• Plant native plants to reduce the need for water, fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. This is the simplest approach to avoiding runoff. It helps you avoid the use of chemicals altogether. If you do encounter pests on your plants, consider an Integrated Pest Management approach.

Consider reducing the amount of grass you have and substituting other native low-growing plants and mulched plant beds. You will reduce the time and costs of caring for your grass, and you will reduce the amount of chemicals and clippings that go down our storm drains.