All plants need nutrients to grow.  They usually get nutrients from the soil, but sometimes supplemental nutrients help them thrive.  Proper fertilization enhances growth, increases flowering or fruiting, corrects nutritional deficiencies, and enhances the plant’s appearance.  Improper fertilization can cause damage to plants and the environment.  Fertilize according to UF/IFAS recommended rates and application timings to prevent nutrient runoff and leaching which can pollute Florida’s waters.  Always follow the fertilizer label directions.  Be sure to follow any local fertilizer ordinances and ensure your landscape professional is a licensed fertilizer applicator.

Benefits:

• Plant material has the correct color and appearance
• Plants flower and fruit appropriately
• Ground and surface waters are protected from pollution
• Turfgrass has adequate nutrients to grow appropriately to represent the species
• You may be more satisfied with the performance of the landscape plants and turfgrass

Excessive nutrient loading to Florida’s surface and ground waters is one of the biggest water quality issues facing communities across the state. It is far easier and much less expensive to minimize the amount of nutrients that get into your community’s waters than to remove them. A major source of nutrient loading is from fertilizers applied to urban landscapes. A comprehensive approach that uses the appropriate type of fertilizer, in the right amount, at the right time can reduce your community landscape’s nutrient inputs into local waterbodies. Always check for and follow local fertilizer ordinances.  All commercial fertilizer applicators must have the Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certificate from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

Benefits:

• Plant material has healthy color and appearance.
• Plants flower and fruit appropriately.
• Ground and surface waters are protected from pollution.
• Turfgrass has adequate nutrients to grow appropriately to represent the species.
• Commercial fertilizer applicators will be GI-BMP certified and know how to apply fertilizer responsibly.

Plants need nutrients to grow.  They usually get these nutrients from the soil, but sometimes we have to add supplemental nutrients to help them along.  Plants are fertilized to enhance growth, increase flower or fruiting, correct nutritional deficiencies, and enhance the plant’s appearance.  Fertilizer applied to turfgrass should follow UF/IFAS recommendations for rate of each application and annual application amounts.  Applying the right product at the right time and at the right rate is critical.  Also check for and follow local fertilizer ordinances.  All fertilizer applicators must have the Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certificate from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in order to apply fertilizer commercially. 

Benefits:

• Commercial fertilizer applicators will be GI-BMP certified and know how to apply fertilizer responsibly
• Plant material will have a healthy color and appearance.
• Plants will flower and fruit appropriately
• Ground and surface waters will be protected from pollution
• Turfgrass will have adequate nutrients to grow appropriately to represent the species
• Customers will be satisfied with the performance of the landscape plants and turfgrass