Treasure Coast Sun

St. Lucie County Reminds Residents, Businesses about the Summer Fertilizer Ban

ST. LUCIE COUNTY – St. Lucie County has issued a reminder to all residents and businesses that the countywide fertilizer ban is in effect from June 1 through September 30. This applies to all businesses and residences in unincorporated St. Lucie County, as well as the cities of Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie.

Fertilization with nitrogen or phosphorus is prohibited during this period. From October 1 through May 30, all fertilizer application products must contain at least 50% slow-release nitrogen and 0% phosphorus unless a soil test indicates a deficiency.

Runoff from fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus can fuel harmful algae blooms and negatively impact water quality in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon. The county’s fertilizer ordinance aims to protect these water bodies by preventing an overload of unwanted nutrients, similar to regulations in more than 40 other communities throughout the Indian River Lagoon basin.

Additionally, residents, businesses, and lawn companies are required to keep grass clippings and leaves from being washed, swept, or blown into stormwater drains and water bodies as these are also sources of excess nutrients that can harm local waterways.

The county-wide fertilizer ordinance includes exceptions for agriculture, golf courses, and athletic fields.

For additional information on the fertilizer ordinance please visit: https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/oxbow-eco-center/adult-education/st-lucie-water-champions-initiative/local-fertilizer-ordinances-information.