Photo Credits: Farnham & Associates, Inc.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
In the past few years, the waters around Sanibel have become loaded with excess nutrients, prompting concerns about our marine life, our beaches, and our economy. The City of Sanibel is committed to addressing water quality issues on every front, from Lake Okeechobee to our own back yards. Fertilizer is one nutrient source that can be controlled.
In March 2007, the Sanibel City Council adopted a low nitrogen, low phosphorus Fertilizer Ordinance and began a concerted effort to encourage other municipalities to do the same.
This website is organized to help homeowners and professional applicators understand how to comply with the Sanibel Fertilizer Ordinance, with an important section outlining how to go fertilizer-free and still enjoy healthy plants. For those who choose to fertilize, we've included a simple calculator to help determine the proper amount to use based on square footage to be covered.
Fertilizer Facts
In the Caloosahatchee region, the sale of residential fertilizer increased by 62%,
from 83,956.9 tons in 2003 to 136,249 tons in 2006.
In Lee County alone, residential fertilizer sales nearly doubled, increasing from 10,294 tons in 2003 to 20,420 tons in 2006.
Simultaneously, the amount of nitrogen contained in fertilizers sold in Lee County increased more than 30%; phosphate levels rose more than 8%.
Did You Know?
Over fertilizing can aggravate pest problems, stimulate excessive growth and
require added maintenance.
When you use too much fertilizer on your landscape, it can seep through the ground, past the root zone of grasses, plants or trees and wind up in the aquifer, our source of drinking water.
Fertilizer can be washed off by rainfall, going directly into the nearest body of water.
