Applying Fertilizer

Florida lawns need fertilizer to remain healthy, but applying fertilizer incorrectly will harm your lawn and lead to environmental damage such as water pollution. Fertilizer applied at the correct time of year and at the correct rate will insure a healthy lawn and reduce the potential of environmental damage.

Fertilizer applications will vary depending on the type of grass within the lawn. The most important rule with applying fertilizer is to follow the instructions on the fertilizer bag. The State of Florida requires that each application of fertilizer contain no more than one pound of nitrogen per one thousand square feet of lawn. Your location may have requirements that are more stringent, you should review your local fertilizer ordinance. Understanding the fertilizer label found on each bag is important. Once you understand the label use the below calculator to determine the correct rate of fertilizer application. This fertilization guide is for lawns maintained without the benefit of a soil test. A soil test is recommended in order to properly apply the correct rate of phosphorus and potassium.

Grass Type: Bahia Centipede Floratam Palmetto Seville St. Augustine Zoysia

Location: North Florida Central Florida South Florida

Level of Maintance: Basic Moderate High

Square feet required:

Nitrogen: % as indicated on the fertilizer label.

Water insoluble Nitrogen/slow-release: % as indicated on the fertilizer label. Note your location may require a minimum that is greater than the State of Florida's. Charlotte County and Sarasota County requires that this number be a minimum 50% of the Nitrogen. So if you have 15% Nitrogen the minimum allowed would be 7.5%. For other locations view the list below.

 
 

 

If fertilizing within three to ten feet from a water body or wetland, a deflector shield must be used on all broadcast spreaders. Fertilizer may not be applied within three feet of the water body or wetland. In addition, no fertilizer may be applied to impervious surfaces and any spillage must be removed.

Locations

• Lee County's Ordinance
• Sarasota County's Ordinance
• City of North Port's Ordinance
• City of Sarasota's Ordinance<

For more infomation on fertilizing your lawn refer to the following publications by the University of Florida IFAS Extension:

• NEW: Urban Turf Fertilizer Rule For Home Lawn Fertilization [EP35300]
• Fertilization and Irrigation Needs for the Florida Lawns and Landscapes [EP11000]
• Figuring out Fertilizer for the Home Lawn [ EP22100]
• General Recommendations for Fertilization of Turfgrasses on Florida Soils [LH01400]
• How to Calibrate Your Fertilizer Spreader [LH02400]
• The Florida Fertilizer Label
• The Lawn Fertilizer Toolbox [EP43500]

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