Stop Fertilizing Gnome Matter What

Doing your part to preserve our water quality is as simple as doing less yardwork! During the rainy summer season, unnecessary fertilizing and improper fertilizer application can result in runoff that sends nutrients meant to feed your lawn into our waterways where they feed harmful aquatic algae instead.

During the summer months when Southwest Florida sees the most rain, improper and unnecessary fertilization can result in runoff that sends nutrients into local waterways. These excess nutrients can feed harmful algal blooms, resulting in negative impacts on county waterbodies, the Caloosahatchee and the Gulf.

Preventing these blooms and protecting Southwest Florida’s water means adjusting lawncare routines. Homeowners should stop fertilizing and start trimming trees and preparing outdoor areas for hurricane season. Lee County encourages residents and professional landscapers to follow the summer ordinance and use the following practices year-round:

  • Don’t fertilize if rain is forecasted.
  • Keep a 10-foot barrier between fertilized landscape and bodies of water.
  • Sweep up spills instead of washing spilled granules away with a hose.

Lee County has an entire website of important information at https://www.fertilizesmart.com.

The Village of Estero also has information for residents at: https://estero-fl.gov/residents.