Lee County encourages residents to make a splash with Florida-friendly landscaping

Lee County Government reminds homeowners that Florida-friendly landscaping practices protect the region’s rivers, canals, neighborhood stormwater ponds and estuaries. Residents can help by reducing fertilizer runoff, conserving water and creating habitat for wildlife in their yards.

Because Florida’s environment presents distinct landscaping challenges, including sandy soils, varying pH levels, seasonal rainfall and proximity to waterways, Lee County encourages residents to use the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles.

The UF/IFAS nine-step approach provides practical ways for homeowners to save water, reduce pollution and support local ecosystems:

1. Choose Florida-friendly plants. Native and Florida-adapted plants are well-suited to local conditions, requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

2. Recycle yard waste. Create nutrient-rich compost by combining carbon-rich “browns,” such as shredded paper, branches and twigs, with nitrogen-rich “greens,” including leaves, grass clippings and produce scraps.

3. Use mulch. Mulch helps to retain moisture, reduce erosion, suppress weeds, protect plant roots and improve soil health.

4. Attract wildlife. Incorporate plants that provide food and habitat for birds, butterflies, bees, other beneficial insects and bats.

5. Manage pests responsibly. Select pest-resistant plants, remove affected plant material and use targeted treatments when necessary to minimize chemical use.

6. Fertilize appropriately. Excess fertilizer can wash into waterways and contribute to harmful algal blooms, including red tide and blue-green algae. Lee County’s Fertilizer Ordinance (08-08) prohibits fertilizing during the rainy season and encourages year-round Fertilize Smart practices:
• Avoid fertilizer application on impervious surfaces and within 10 feet of waterways.
• Sweep up spilled fertilizer.
• Do not fertilize when rain is forecast.

7. Water efficiently. Use efficient irrigation systems and water only when needed to reduce waste and prevent runoff. Lee County’s Water Conservation Ordinance establishes watering schedules for residents from February through May and implements a year-round irrigation restriction, limiting residents to watering twice per week – the date that residents can water is dependent on their home address.

8. Manage stormwater runoff. Rain barrels can capture and store rainwater for later use, reducing runoff while providing a free source of water for plants.

9. Protect the waterfront. UF/IFAS recommendations and Lee County Ordinance 08-08 prohibit fertilizer application within 10 feet of waterways, and some local municipalities have even higher buffer prohibitions in place. The County also recommends maintaining a voluntary low-maintenance zone within six feet of any pond, stream, neighborhood stormwater pond, wetland, watercourse or seawall.

Small changes in landscaping practices can collectively make a big difference in protecting the water resources that define Southwest Florida. By following Florida-friendly principles, residents can help preserve water quality, support local wildlife and create landscapes that are appealing and environmentally responsible.

For more information on Florida-friendly landscaping, visit ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/About-FFL/9-Principles/. To learn more about Lee County’s year-round fertilizer ordinance, visit FertilizeSmart.com.

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