LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- While fertilizer helps your grass grow, it can seep into our ground water and canals when it rains. And scientists say fertilizer can cause toxic algae to grow.
So we looked up the rules in different Southwest Florida coastal cities.
Let's start with Sanibel. Fertilizer used can only have up to 20% nitrogen, and less than 2% phosphorus. And you're not allowed to apply it from July 1st through September 30th. You're also supposed to keep it at least 25 feet from of a body of water.
In Cape Coral, the rules are similar. They have the same rainy season restrictions, but it starts June 1st. Fertilizing is banned if a watch or warning is in effect for flooding, tropical storms, or hurricanes.
You also need to stay at least 10 feet from the top of a seawall or any water body.
And in Charlotte County, no fertilizers with any nitrogen or phosphorous in it is allowed between June 1st and September 30th.
