DON'T FEED THE ALGAE! Applications of Fertilizer Containing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Prohibited July 1--September 30 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City of Sanibel
Press Release
Sanibel, Florida - June 11, 2009
New Page 1 Contact - Natural Resources Department (239) 472-3700
DON'T FEED THE ALGAE! Applications of Fertilizer Containing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Prohibited July 1-- September 30
As the rainy season approaches, the City of Sanibel would like to remind all citizens, landscape and pest control professionals that frequent and unpredictable summer downpours increase the opportunities for nutrient run-off to enter our local waters. By not applying fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus, you can be part of the City's on-going effort to minimize local and regional nutrient pollution.
BEGINNING JULY 1ST, FERTILIZERS CONTAINING NITROGEN AND/OR PHOSPHORUS MAY NOT BE APPLIED TO LAWNS OR LANDSCAPE PLANTS. Applications of these nutrients, where needed, may resume on October 1 in accordance with the City's fertilizer regulations adopted by City Council in 2007.
For lawns and landscape plants that may need summer nutrients beyond those available in the soil, consider the following:
· Be Wise if You Fertilize! Prior to July 1, a fertilizer containing at least 50% Slow Release Nitrogen (SRN) may be applied at a rate not to exceed 1 lb. nitrogen/1000 sq. ft. As the name indicates, SRN is released slowly over time and will be available for uptake by plants all summer long.
· Nitrogen is responsible for plant growth. To achieve a "green-up" without unwanted growth, a micronutrient fertilizer containing iron may be used.
· When you mow, leave the grass clippings on your lawn. As the clippings break down, the nutrients will be recycled back to your lawn.
· Most Sanibel soils have enough naturally occurring phosphorus to support healthy plants. Unless a soil test indicates otherwise, save money and choose "no phosphorus" products year-round.
Because of the potentially severe impacts to water quality resulting from the misapplication of fertilizer during the summer months, City Code Enforcement, Natural Resources, and Police staff are intensifying efforts to ensure compliance with the City's fertilizer regulations. Staff will be conducting frequent island-wide patrols for violators, including both citizen "do it-yourself" applicators and professionals.
For more information regarding appropriate fertilizer use on Sanibel, visit the City's fertilizer website at http://www.sanibelh2omatters.com/fertilizer/ or contact the Natural Resources Department at (239) 472-3700.
To report violations of the Sanibel Fertilizer Ordinance, please contact the Sanibel Police Department at (239) 472-3111.
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