This Best Management Practice Guide is intended for the companies that provide lawn maintenance services in Broward County. These companies are responsible for mowing, fertilizing, pesticide and herbicide application, and the health of many lawns in South Florida. For example, contamination can occur when pesticides spill or rinse water is allowed to run to the ground or surface water during application and equipment cleaning processes. These environmental problems can expose your lawn maintenance company to extensive legal liability for contamination and cleanup including penalties and fines, and can create a poor public image.
Contamination also occurs when companies overuse fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
South Florida's yards are unique in that they are pathways to our waterways. The health of South Florida's estuaries, rivers, lakes and aquifer depends in part on proper lawn care and landscape maintenance. When rain falls on yards, roads, and parking lots, storm water runoff occurs. Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, petroleum, and other like products are all carried into our waterways through storm water runoff. This is why it is important to use products such as fertilizers and pesticides sparingly and in accordance with the label.