§ 28-508. Timing of fertilizer application.

(a)

No applicator shall apply fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus to turf and/or landscape plants during any of the following prohibited application periods:

(1)

During the time period when a flood watch or warning, or a tropical storm watch or warning, or a hurricane watch or warning issued by the National Weather Service is in effect for any portion of Hernando County, or, the time period during which heavy rain is occurring, imminent, or forecast as likely by the National Weather Service for any portion of Hernando County.

(2)

Prior to seeding or sodding a site, and for the first thirty (30) days after seeding or sodding, except when hydro-seeding is used to accomplish immediate erosion control measures of a temporary or permanent nature on slopes (e.g., highway slopes, stormwater structure slopes, wildfire slopes, etc.). Planting of sprigs in turf is exempted from this requirement.

(b)

During the season of plant dormancy from January 1 through March 31, only applicators trained, certified and registered under the terms of this article shall apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus to turf. Only slow- or controlled-release fertilizer shall be applied during this period of time. The applicator shall maintain, and provide if requested, on-site verification of the slow- or controlled-release product being used during the application.

(Ord. No. 2013-34, § I, 11-12-13)