Lawn fertilization that follows Florida’s rules

In unincorporated Lake County, fertilizer with nitrogen or phosphorus isn’t allowed on lawns from June 1 to September 30. Osceola and Polk counties have no summer ban, but no fertilizer during tropical storm or hurricane watches, and Polk also bans it when more than 2 inches of rain is likely within 24 hours. We follow the rule for your address.

UF/IFAS advises waiting at least 30 days after planting, and Polk County’s ordinance bars nitrogen and phosphorus for 30 days after sodding. After that, follow your county’s calendar; Lake and Orange ban nitrogen and phosphorus from June 1 to September 30.

Chinch bugs are the main pest of St. Augustine grass. They leave yellow-to-brown patches, often in hot, full-sun spots next to pavement, and the centers die. A lawn cut too short or over-fertilized is more at risk. Call us before you treat; the patch can also be drought or disease.

UF/IFAS puts the first application in early April, after green-up, and the last around early October, with no more than 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft each time. Local rules also apply; Lake and Orange counties ban nitrogen and phosphorus June 1–September 30.

Yes. Osceola and Polk have no summer ban but restrict fertilizer near water and during storm watches, and Polk also during heavy rain. Unincorporated Lake County bans nitrogen and phosphorus June 1–September 30. The city of Clermont’s own rule is still being confirmed.

Osceola’s ordinance requires professionals applying fertilizer to hold UF/IFAS GI-BMP training. We are adding our crew’s current certifications to this site; call (407) 577-6400 if you need them before a visit.

It depends on the grass. Bahia needs only 1–2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet a year and St. Augustine 2–5, with no more than 1 pound per application (UF/IFAS). That works out to a few applications between early April and early October, fewer for Bahia.

No. UF/IFAS’s Central Florida calendar recommends against weed-and-feed products. Fertilizer and weed treatments are timed separately, because the best time for one is rarely the best time for the other.

Wait at least 30 days after planting, per UF/IFAS. In Polk County the ordinance also bans nitrogen and phosphorus before sodding and for the first 30 days after.

Usually not. UF/IFAS says a soil test is required to identify a phosphorus deficiency before adding it, and Lake County requires 0% phosphorus from October through May.

Follow the product label on re-entry, which is usually after the granules are watered in and the lawn has dried. We tell you what was applied and when it is fine to use the yard again.

Not in the county summaries we checked on October 7, 2026. Both still bar fertilizer in severe weather, and Osceola during tropical storm or hurricane watches. Your city may add rules.

No nitrogen or phosphorus on residential turf from June 1 to September 30 in unincorporated Lake County. Summer visits focus on mowing, watering checks and pest scouting.

Yes, and professionals have extra requirements, such as UF/IFAS GI-BMP training in Osceola and Polk. Ask any company what rule it follows for your address.

No. Osceola bans it during tropical storm or hurricane watches and warnings, and Polk during severe weather. Rain would wash the product off the lawn anyway.

We have not confirmed it. Until the city says otherwise, we treat Lake County’s June 1 to September 30 restriction as the safe guide for Clermont addresses.