Your Yard and Pond are Connected RYAN RYCZEK ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

Your Yard and Pond are Connected RYAN RYCZEK ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II

Pollution In Water Results In. Increased aquatic plant and algal growth Lower oxygen levels Harm to aquatic life Sedimentation Impaired recreation 2

How do unwanted nutrients get into our water bodies? 3

How pollution gets into our water Most pollution plastic, oil, chemicals, pesticides, nutrients, fertilizer or organic debris on an impervious surface ends up in a body of water The result is: Non-point source pollution

Impervious surfaces lead to storm drains Contents go to a wastewater treatment plant Contents get dumped into a body of water such as a stream, river, lake, gulf or ocean

Reduce Pollution in Your Pond Plant selection and planting location Landscape maintenance best management practices Fertilize appropriately Manage yard waste properly Efficient irrigation

Choose The Right Plant for the Site Conditions Plants suited to the specific site conditions sun, shade, soil ph, drainage, salt tolerance reduces the need for water, fertilizer, pesticides and pruning

Right Plant, Right Place

Erosion Caused by: Ripple and wave impact, no aquatic vegetation buffer Concentrated flow of runoff Water level changes High risk: Banks > 3 to 1 slope, fountains, wildlife

Erosion Remedies Reduce the slope Plant deep rooted plants on the bank Aerators instead of fountains in small ponds Keep fountain wave action away from banks Plant aquatic vegetation to dissipate wave action Dissipate high velocity concentrated flows Not spraying all the vegetation at the waters edge

Recommended No-Mow Zone Pinellas County recommends a 6 no-mow, low maintenance zone next to water. This includes Seawalls and Wetlands! 11

How Does Turf Reduce the Effects of Nonpoint Source Pollution? Healthy turf will: Slow down stormwater Filter and remove contaminants Reduce erosion Protect groundwater 12

Hired Landscape and Fertilizer Services Required training

Mowing Debris Management Blow Clippings back into turf Aim your discharge shoot back to the turf.

Mowing Heights Grass mowed higher is more drought tolerant and pest resistant

Mower Blade Maintenance Dull blades tear instead of cut Sharp blades cut clean Torn blades invite disease Torn blades lose more moisture Keep mower blades sharp! 16

Keep the blades sharp! Blades need to be sharpened every 8-10 hours of use. 17

Mowing Heights Bahia Standard St. Augustine Dwarf St. Augustine Zoysia Bermuda Mowing below recommended heights is the main cause of turf death! 3-4 3.5-4 2-2.5 1.5-2.5 0.5 1.5 Source: salesmanual.deere.com

Tires, Deck, Blade Height Make sure tires are properly inflated Confirm by measuring blade height. Deck set at 4 inches 19

Turf in the Shade Trim branches to allow more light Increase mower height Reduce irrigation Reduce traffic and other stresses Replace with shade tolerant ground cover or mulched bed 20

Shade Tolerance Species and cultivar shade tolerance vary widely Best: Dwarfs Captiva, Delmar, Seville Best: Standard BitterBlue, DeltaShade Fair: Palmetto Worst: Floratam 21

Fertilizing Restrictions for Nitrogen and Phosphorus No application nitrogen or phosphorous June 1 st September 30 th No application during rain related weather alerts, or forecast of 2 rain in 24 hours Phosphorous may not be applied unless soil test showing deficiency Do not apply fertilizer within 10 feet of the top of bank

Fertilizing Restrictions for Nitrogen and Phosphorus Maximum of 1 lb. nitrogen in granular fertilizer, per 1,000 sq. ft., per application Maximum of ½ lb. nitrogen in liquid fertilizer, per 1,000 sq. ft., per application Maximum 4 lb. Nitrogen per year Granular and spike fertilizers must be at least 50% slow release Nitrogen

Fertilizing Recommendations Fertilize only as necessary, April/May, and October are the best time Do not apply nitrogen fertilizer when grass is semi-dormant or dormant Sweep or blow any fertilizer that lands on street, sidewalk, or driveway into the lawn Use mulching mower to recycle clipping nutrients

Fertilizing calculations To calculate the pounds of fertilizer to apply one pound nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. Determine the square feet of area to fertilize Check the percent total nitrogen on the bag, The first number Divide 100 by the percent nitrogen= pounds of fertilizer to apply per 1,000 sq. ft.

Irrigation, Frequency vs Duration Frequency is how often you irrigate a zone Some zones may need watered more or less frequent depending on site conditions. Duration is how long the zone runs Calibrate Sprinklers to apply 1/2-3/4 inches per watering. Zones with different sprinkler types or coverage may need different duration. Duration determines how deep the water goes.

Water just before, or just after sunrise (early morning)

Check Watering Restrictions Statewide water restrictions prohibit watering Notify if watering is occurring during restricted times Website for restrictions http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us /conservation/restrictions/ 29

Be A Water Saver Inspect your sprinkler system Repair any problems, adjust spray heads and nozzles so you re not watering hard surfaces Adjust your timer seasonally! Water just before, or just after sunrise Make sure you have a working rain sensor: Florida law requires it! Over watering causes thatch and nutrient leaching D. Rainey UF/IFAS Rain sensor

Reclaim Water Fertilizer Reduction Reduced fertilizer application for properties using reclaimed water Homeowners learn IFAS recommendations for FFL and local fertilizer requirements www.pinellascounty.org/fertilizer 31

How to Tell When A Lawn Is Thirsty The grass has a dull, bluish-gray color Apply water when about 50% of your grass shows wilt. Footprints remain in the grass Leaf blades are folded in half 32

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Clogged sprinklers Leaking sprinklers and valves Obstructed sprinklers Overspray onto sidewalks, streets or buildings Missing nozzles Pipe leaks or breaks Mary McCready UF/IFAS 33

Troubleshooting 34

Inspect for malfunctioning devices Mary McCready UF/IFAS Mary McCready UF/IFAS 35

Responsible Irrigation Management Saves water Improves plant health and water quality Reduces need for fertilizers and/or chemical treatments Protects your investment Reduces runoff and leaching 36

Stormdrain Marking Kit Sign up

Educational Opportunities Landscape Best Management Practices Other extension classes Horticultural hot line/help desk Right Plant, Right Place Florida Friendly Landscaping

Stormwater Hotline 727-464-5060 You may remain anonymous! 39

When BMPs used and Nutrients Limited Buffer Zone Aquatic Plants Limit fertilizer use Stable shore line Keep yard debris out Responsible maintenance