Florida Turf Talk Special Edition with GreenUP by Massey Services
What is the Fertilizer Ordinance?
FERTILIZER ORDINANCES IN EFFECT FROM JUNE 1 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30
In Florida, applications of fertilizer are regulated by ordinances. These ordinances differ depending on where you live, but they prohibit the timing and amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus that can be applied to lawns. Many of these fertilizer ordinances have been legislated to be in effect June 1st through September 30th to limit the amount of runoff into our lakes and streams during the heavier rain periods. Some areas not only have fertilizer ordinances during summer but also during fall and winter.
How will the Fertilizer Ordinance affect summer lawn care service?
Nitrogen is essential for healthy plant growth. At Massey Services, our research team has developed an environmentally responsible and agronomic program that includes alternative treatments for a healthy lawn all year, including during the fertilizer ordinance period.
During the summer months, we’re doing everything we can to continue providing the nutrition your landscape needs with our proprietary blend of potassium and micro-nutrients. This blend helps develop roots, strengthens your lawn and keeps it naturally green. Our program also includes beneficial microbes that improve plant health by increasing nutrient availability and uptake and reducing stress to the soil and plants. Additionally, we’re applying targeted weed control, when needed, as well as preventive treatments for insects and diseases.
We know what it takes to keep your landscape healthy and strong all summer long – especially during fertilizer ordinance periods. Your Landscape Specialist provides environmentally sound landscape care, including:
- Annual pH analysis of your soil to ensure microbe health and proper availability of nutrients
- When seasonally appropriate, applying phosphorus-free fertilizers with slow-release nitrogen to provide healthier, more sustained feeding for your lawn
- Applying only the amount of nutrients each plant needs to maximize its performance and beauty
- Annual lawn aeration to create healthy roots, protect ground water and stimulate better utilization of water by your lawn
How can you help protect our water resources?
After mowing, be sure any clippings or leaves are blown back into the landscape. Leaving clippings on the lawn – a practice known as grasscycling – helps replenish soil nutrients, as the decomposing grass releases nitrogen and other beneficial elements that can be reused by the plants. Never leave clippings on hardscapes such as driveways or sidewalks or blow them into the street where it could make its way into the sewer, and potentially lakes and streams.
Our Commitment to Total Customer Satisfaction
If you see an issue in your lawn and landscape, don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment. Contact our Customer Care Team today and schedule a service now so we can address it – at no additional cost to you!