June 1st is not only the start of hurricane season, but also the beginning of the fertilizer blackout period in Pinellas County. Pinellas County’s fertilizer ordinance regulates the sale and use of fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus to protect our water bodies.
Highlights of the ordinance include but are not limited to:
- Prohibits the sale and use of any lawn and landscape fertilizer with nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 to September 30.
- Commercial fertilizer applicators must display a vehicle decal indicating they have completed training on Best Management Practices for fertilizer application.
- Phosphorus can only be applied if the results of a soil test indicate a deficiency in phosphorus.
- Fertilizer containing nitrogen shall contain at least 50% slow-release nitrogen.
- Nitrogen fertilizer shall not be applied on newly established turf or new landscape plants for the first 30 days after planting.
- Fertilizer shall not be applied within ten feet from water bodies.
For more information on managing your landscape in an environmentally-friendly way, contact the Lawn and Garden Help Desk at (727)582-2100 x1.
Additional Resources:
Pinellas County Fertilizer and Landscape Information
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