DON’T FEED THE ALGAE! Applications of Fertilizer Containing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Prohibited July 1— September 30
FROM JULY 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, IT IS A VIOLATION OF CITY ORDINANCE 07-003 TO APPLY FERTILIZERS CONTAINING NITROGEN AND/OR PHOSPHORUS TO LAWNS OR LANDSCAPE PLANTS.
News Release – For Immediate Release
July 6, 2012 City of Sanibel
Contact - Natural Resources Department (239) 472-3700
DON’T FEED THE ALGAE! Applications of Fertilizer Containing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Prohibited July 1— September 30
With the start of the rainy season, the City of Sanibel would like to remind all citizens, landscape and pest control professionals that frequent and unpredictable summer downpours increase the opportunities for nutrient run-off to enter our local waters. By not applying fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus, you can be part of the City’s on-going effort to minimize local and regional nutrient pollution.
FROM JULY 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, IT IS A VIOLATION OF CITY ORDINANCE 07-003 TO APPLY FERTILIZERS CONTAINING NITROGEN AND/OR PHOSPHORUS TO LAWNS OR LANDSCAPE PLANTS. Applications of these nutrients, where needed, may resume on October 1 in accordance with the City’s fertilizer regulations adopted by City Council in 2007.
For lawns and landscape plants that may need summer nutrients beyond those available in the soil, consider the following:
· Nitrogen is responsible for plant growth. To achieve a “green-up” without unwanted growth, a micronutrient fertilizer containing iron may be used.
· When you mow, leave the grass clippings on your lawn. As the clippings break down, the nutrients will be recycled back to your lawn.
· Most Sanibel soils have enough naturally occurring phosphorus to support healthy plants. Unless a soil test indicates otherwise, save money and choose “no phosphorus” products year-round.
Because of the potentially severe impacts to water quality resulting from the misapplication of fertilizer during the summer months, City Code Enforcement, Natural Resources, and Police staff are intensifying efforts to ensure compliance with the City’s fertilizer regulations. Staff will be conducting frequent island-wide patrols for violators, including both citizen “do it-yourself” applicators and professionals.
If using a professional fertilizer applicator, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that the applicator has a City of Sanibel fertilizer applicator’s endorsement (license). A list of City-licensed fertilizer applicators can be found on the City’s website by clicking here. (pdf 456.06 kB) Licensed fertilizer applicators can be found at the end of the list (arranged alphabetically) under license class “Vegetation & Fertilizer”. For more information regarding appropriate fertilizer use on Sanibel, visit the City’s fertilizer website by clicking here or contact the Natural Resources Department at (239) 472-3700.
Violation of or refusal to comply with Sanibel’s fertilizer laws is considered a 2nd degree misdemeanor. Upon conviction, punishment shall include a fine up to $500 or imprisonment up to 60 days in jail, or both. To report violations of the Sanibel Fertilizer Ordinance, please contact the Sanibel Police Department at (239) 472-3111.
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