The Town of Palm Beach is reminding homeowners, landscapers, and property managers that responsible fertilizer use, native landscaping, and smart irrigation practices all play a vital role in protecting local water quality and conserving precious water resources. 

Beginning June 1, the Town’s annual fertilizer application ban takes effect and remains in place through September 30. During this period, no fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus may be applied to turf or landscape plants. Fertilizer also may not be applied to saturated soils or before heavy rain events, as runoff can carry nutrients into waterways and negatively impact the environment. 

Certain treatment products used to address severe whitefly infestations may contain nitrogen and are exempt when being applied specifically for pest treatment purposes. Residents and landscape professionals are encouraged to follow all product label directions carefully and use only the minimum amount necessary to treat affected vegetation. 

Under Town Code Sec. 42-376 – Timing of Fertilizer Applications: 

1. No applicator shall apply fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus to turf and/or landscape plants during the prohibited application period or to saturated soils. No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus shall be applied between June 1 and September 30, as well as during any other prohibited application period. 

2. Fertilizer containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus shall not be applied before seeding or sodding a site, and shall not be applied for the first 30 days after seeding or sodding, except when hydro-seeding for temporary or permanent erosion control in an emergency situation or in accordance with an approved stormwater pollution prevention plan. 

In addition, under Florida Administrative Code Rule 5E-1.003(2), fertilizer applied to turf within the Town must follow all label directions, including approved application rates and frequency limits. Town Code Sec. 42-378 further prohibits the application of nitrogen or phosphorus to turf or landscape plants unless the product complies with the state turf rule, aligns with UF/IFAS recommendations, or a verified soil or tissue test confirms a nutrient deficiency. Golf courses, athletic fields, and parks are also required to follow best management practices and state rule standards. 

Residents and landscape professionals are encouraged to reduce reliance on fertilizers by incorporating native and Florida-friendly plants into their landscapes. Native plantings are naturally adapted to local conditions, generally require less water and fewer chemical inputs, and help support birds, butterflies, and pollinators. The Garden Club of Palm Beach offers resources and guidance on native landscaping through its “Going Native” initiative, which highlights plant species suited to Palm Beach’s coastal environment.  

Additional water-saving and environmentally friendly landscaping practices include: 

• Water deeply but less often to encourage strong root growth 

• Irrigate early in the morning to reduce evaporation 

• Use rain sensors and irrigation timers to prevent unnecessary watering 

• Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid runoff onto sidewalks and streets 

• Mulch planting beds to retain soil moisture 

• Group plants with similar watering needs together 

• Choose drought-tolerant and native species whenever possible 

By practicing responsible fertilizing, planting native species, and using efficient watering methods, Palm Beach residents and landscape professionals can help preserve the Town’s natural beauty while protecting the valuable water resources that sustain the community. 

For more information, please visit the Town’s Green Initiative and Sustainability webpage.