Lee County Residents!

If you are a Florida resident, you are probably familiar with the fertilizer blackout that occurs every year during the summer. You likely understand the basic premise, what you can and what you cannot do. However, there is a bit of nuance to it, and we want to ensure that our clients are fully aware of the changes, so that they understand how it affects our services, and what they personally can do to their landscape. In this guide, we will go over dates, exact specifications, and what steps you should take to ensure the health of your lawn and landscape.

When Is the Fertilizer Blackout?

From June 1st through September 30th in Lee County, the fertilizer blackout is in effect, in which the use of nitrogen or phosphorus is not allowed. These are the core ingredients in most general lawn fertilizers, hence the broad name.

How Does this Affect Your Plants?

Nitrogen and phosphorus are vital to the health of your plants, and without them, your plants can suffer. Lack of fertilization is going to cause thin turf, more weeds, more insect damage (and) more issues with the grass. Once the blackout occurs, and you see these problems arise, you can work with Estate to remedy these problems directly: weed control, pest control, etc.

The Exceptions to the Rule

There are two key types of properties that can become exempt from this blackout. Golf courses are always exempt, as they require fertilization, as well as farms that fall under the “Florida Right to Farm Act.” For the full Lee County ordinance, with all the specifications, check out this link here.

What to Do: Use a Licensed Professional

Your Florida lawn likely already contains all the regulated nutrients that it needs through the blackout period, but if you are worried about your landscaper breaking the ordinance and putting you at risk, simply put, you need a better landscaper. At Estate, we stay up to date on all licensing, certification, and regulation, ensuring that you or your property is never at risk. With us, you will be notified of the changes, and how it will affect your landscaping or maintenance services. We will then engage in the use of a potash fertilizer, meeting the guidelines, as it does not contain nitrogen or phosphorus. This will keep your lawn healthy, until we are legally able to make the switch back.

For more information on how Estate Landscaping can take care of your landscaping needs, give us a call at (239) 498-1187, or Contact Us.