Summer rains bring stricter fertilizer rules

As of June 1st, Orange County reactivated its seasonal fertilizer restrictions aimed at safeguarding local lakes, rivers, and springs from nutrient pollution. The ordinance, in place through September 30, prohibits the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus—common components in lawn care products that can cause harmful algae blooms and degrade water quality when washed into storm drains during summer storms. Residents, landscapers, and businesses are urged to follow the guidelines to help protect the county’s fragile ecosystem from avoidable damage.

Many fertilizers contain nitrogen and phosphorus, also known as nutrients. Pollution from nutrients harms our natural waterbodies – springs, lakes, and rivers – by causing algae blooms and poor water quality. How does nutrient pollution get there? When yards are over-fertilized, the excess nitrogen and phosphorus flow with rainwater into the same stormwater system designed to keep your property and roads from flooding during heavy rain. By taking a simple step, such as carefully selecting and applying fertilizer, we can collectively make a significant impact on the health of our natural water bodies.

Ordinance Requirements in Effect June 1, 2022

No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus may be applied in Orange County from June 1 through September 30.

• Applying fertilizer with phosphorus is prohibited unless a soil test shows a phosphorus deficiency in that area.
• If fertilizer with nitrogen is used, at least 65% of the nitrogen must be slow-release type.
• No more than 1 pound of total nitrogen may be applied per 1,000 square feet of landscape.
• No lawn may receive more than 3 pounds of total nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of landscape.

• All areas of property covered by lawn, turf, and landscape plants are subject to the fertilizer ordinance.
• Deflector shields must be in place when broadcast spreaders are used next to streets, inlets, ditches, conveyances, and waterways.
• No fertilizer or grass clippings shall be deposited on streets, driveways, or in storm drains.
• No fertilizer can be applied within 25 feet of waterways.
• Application sites should maintain a 10-foot low-maintenance zone – planted area with no fertilizing, mowing, or maintenance – adjacent to water bodies.
• No fertilizer shall be applied when the National Weather Service issues any advisory for severe thunderstorm, flood, tropical storm, or hurricane.