By KATHERINE SQUITIERI
Q: Why does fertilizing my lawn responsibly matter?
A: More than 1,000 new residents move to Florida daily, many of whom take pride in maintaining beautiful lawns along with long-time Floridians. However, fertilizers contain nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which, in excess amounts, can harm Florida’s natural water systems. Excess nutrients from fertilizers can wash into lakes, rivers, springs, estuaries and other water bodies causing algae blooms that reduce water clarity and create extreme fluctuations in dissolved oxygen. This leads to stress on aquatic life, including fish, amphibians and insects, and can create long-term damage to Florida’s ecosystems.
Q: When is the best time to fertilize my lawn?
A: Timing is everything. When to fertilize depends on your lawn’s growth cycle and local restrictions. April and May are generally the ideal time to fertilize your lawn in Florida. Grass is actively growing during these months, and it’s before the rainy season. Fertilizing during the rainy season or before heavy rain, can wash excess nutrients into nearby water systems. Proper timing not only helps your lawn but also protects Florida’s environment. Many counties and cities in Florida have fertilizer ordinances to reduce nutrient runoff, including blackout dates on fertilizer use. You should always check local ordinances before fertilizing.
Q: What type of fertilizer should I use?
A: Before purchasing or applying fertilizer, start with a soil test to determine what your lawn truly needs. Soil testing is the most effective way to assess nutrient levels (such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and soil pH. This will help you avoid unnecessary fertilizer use by applying only what your soil lacks and only if your lawn needs it. Also, choose the right fertilizer type tailored to your soil’s specific needs and apply the correct amount to support healthy lawn growth while minimizing environmental impacts. Soil tests can be performed through your local county Extension office, which provides expert guidance and affordable testing services. Many Extension offices offer instructions on how to collect soil samples properly and submit them for analysis. Results typically include recommendations for fertilization and soil amendments to optimize your lawn’s health.
Q: Should I still fertilize if I have reclaimed water for irrigation?
A: If your household irrigates with reclaimed water, you may have a built-in fertilizer and may not need to fertilize as much. Reclaimed water often contains nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can support your lawn’s growth. Contact your water utility to understand the nutrient levels in your reclaimed water, and then adjust your fertilizer use accordingly. Alternatively, a soil test will also show what nutrients your lawn has enough of or needs more of.
Q: Who regulates fertilizing?
A: Many counties and cities in Florida have fertilizer ordinances to reduce nutrient runoff, including blackout dates on fertilizer use. Always check with your local government to ensure compliance.
Q: Can over fertilizing impact springs and other water bodies?
A: Florida’s springs are especially sensitive to excess nutrients. Over fertilizing can increase nitrogen and phosphorus levels in springs, leading to algae blooms that block sunlight and harm aquatic plants, fluctuations in oxygen levels that stress aquatic life, and decreased water clarity, affecting ecosystems and recreation. By fertilizing responsibly, you help reduce nutrient pollution and protect our natural spring systems for future generations.
Q: Where can I learn more about fertilizing dos and don’ts?
A: To learn more about fertilizing best practices, please visit WaterMatters.org/Fertilizing101.
As lead conservation education coordinator, Katherine manages the District’s youth education program and assists in water conservation outreach efforts. Katherine holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies concentrating in Environmental Education and Communication from Green Mountain College. She also holds a master’s degree in Global Sustainability concentrating on water sustainability from the University of South Florida.
