FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- As cooler weather brings more time outdoors, it's important to remember that our yard care choices directly impact Southwest Florida's waterways. Lee County residents can all do their part to protect these vital ecosystems by being Florida-friendly.

Residents seeking easy, actionable ways to protect our waterways can follow the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles:

• Use Florida-Friendly native plants to limit water consumption and reduce pesticide and fertilizer use.
• Water efficiently by practicing Lee County's irrigation ordinances, which set specific days and times for lawn irrigation based on address type and season. Learn more at LeeGov.com/NaturalResources/WaterSmart (https://www.leegov.com/naturalresources/watersmart).
• Fertilize Smart – Over fertilization damages ecosystems throughout Florida, potentially exacerbating harmful algal blooms such as red tide and blue-green algae, which can suffocate and poison the plants and creatures living in the water.
• Use mulch to prevent weed growth, retain moisture, protect plants and provide a neat landscape appearance.
• Use plants that supply food to make your yard attractive to birds, bees, butterflies, bats and other creatures. Add a bird bath or rain garden to provide water to wildlife.
• Manage yard pests by acquiring pest-resistant plants, removing affected leaves and plant parts, and spot-treating problem areas.
• Recycle yard waste by finding other purposes for lawn clippings, such as using them as a natural fertilizer by creating compost.
• Manage stormwater runoff by collecting rainwater; collected water can be used to irrigate plants.
• Avoid fertilizing within 10 feet of waterways.

From June 1 through Sept. 30, Lee County's fertilizer ordinance prohibits the use of fertilizer. However, residents are encouraged to utilize smart fertilizing practices year-round. To learn more about how to be Florida-friendly and how to Fertilize Smart, visit FertilizeSmart.com.

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