Odessa Landscape Services

Contact Your Local Odessa Public Works or Solid Waste Department for Green Waste Info

Odessa, located in Pasco County within the Gulf Coast/Southwest Florida region, follows county-managed yard waste and vegetative debris collection protocols. Residents should place yard waste curbside on designated collection days, ensuring materials are bundled in 4-foot lengths, tied, and do not exceed 50 pounds per bundle. Loose leaves and grass clippings must be bagged in paper or reusable containers—plastic bags are prohibited to protect stormwater quality. Drop-off of larger debris is available at the Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, with proof of residency required and commercial landscapers subject to disposal fees. After storms, special debris collection schedules are announced. Never blow or dump yard waste, clippings, or fertilizer into streets, swales, or storm drains, as this violates the Clean Water Act and local MS4 rules.

Odessa Public Works Department
7530 Little Road, New Port Richey, FL 34654
Phone: (727) 847-2411
Official Website: Odessa Public Works Department

Lawn Care Regulations & Permits in Odessa, FL

Lawn care in Odessa is governed by a combination of state and local ordinances. The Florida Pesticide Law - Chapter 487 and Florida Statutes 403.9337 regulate pesticide and fertilizer use, with Pasco County enforcing a rainy-season fertilizer blackout (June 1–September 30) and requiring at least 50% slow-release nitrogen. Fertilizer must not be applied within 10 feet of water bodies. Commercial applicators must hold a Limited Urban Fertilizer Applicator Certificate per Florida Statutes 482.1562 and follow the Urban Turf Fertilizer Rule for Home Lawn Fertilization. Irrigation is restricted to twice weekly by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, with rain sensors required. Noise ordinances limit equipment use to 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Commercial operators must register with the county and maintain liability insurance.

Odessa Development Services Department
8731 Citizens Drive, New Port Richey, FL 34654
Phone: (727) 847-8142
Official Website: Odessa Development Services Department

Southwest Florida Water Management District
2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604
Phone: (352) 796-7211
Official Website: Southwest Florida Water Management District

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve in Odessa, FL?

Odessa’s neighborhoods reflect the Gulf Coast’s sandy flatwoods, shell-influenced soils, and high water table. In Starkey Ranch, engineered fill supports St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass, but drainage swales and reclaimed water zones require careful fertilizer management. Keystone Park Colony features mature oaks, sandy loam, and larger lots, favoring bahiagrass for drought tolerance. Ivy Lake Estates, with HOA landscaping rules, uses St. Augustinegrass and has strict irrigation schedules. The Lake Mineola area, near wetlands, faces high water table and periodic flooding, requiring salt-tolerant turf and setback compliance. Citrus Park Crossings, close to commercial corridors, has mixed-use soils and higher foot traffic, demanding wear-resistant turf. Water’s Edge, adjacent to lakes and ponds, must observe fertilizer setbacks and stormwater pond protection. Each area’s unique soil, water, and regulatory context shapes best practices for sustainable lawn care.

Partnering With Odessa’s Stormwater, Environmental, or Sustainability Office

Odessa coordinates with Pasco County’s Stormwater Management Division to protect local ponds, canals, and wetlands. Sustainable landscaping is promoted through:

• Buffer zones of native plants along water bodies
• Use of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles
• Grasscycling and mulching to reduce runoff
• Micro-irrigation for beds and rain sensor installation
• Compliance with Florida DEP - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) requirements
• Community workshops on stormwater-friendly yard care These efforts help maintain water quality and reduce nutrient pollution in Odessa’s sensitive Gulf Coast watershed.

Pasco County Stormwater Management Division
4454 Grand Boulevard, New Port Richey, FL 34652
Phone: (727) 834-3611
Official Website: Pasco County Stormwater Management Division

Top Odessa Lawn Problems (and How We Solve Them)

Odessa lawns face several region-specific challenges:

• Chinch bugs in St. Augustinegrass
• Mole crickets in bahiagrass and bermudagrass
• Dollarweed and sedges in wet, low-lying areas
• Large patch and gray leaf spot from humidity
• Salt stress near lakes and retention ponds
• Nutrient leaching in sandy soils
• Standing water after heavy rain

Science-based solutions include:

• Regular scouting and targeted treatment for chinch bugs and mole crickets (UF/IFAS Extension - Lawn Maintenance)
• Improving drainage and mowing at recommended heights
• Using slow-release fertilizers and following blackout rules
• Selecting salt-tolerant turf near water bodies
• Grasscycling to return nutrients and reduce runoff
• Adjusting irrigation to avoid overwatering and fungal outbreaks

What Makes Lawns in Odessa Different From the Rest of Florida?

Odessa’s Gulf Coast/Southwest Florida context creates unique lawn care conditions:

• USDA Hardiness Zone 9b: mild winters, rare frost
• Summer rainy season (June–September) with high humidity
• Sandy, shell-influenced soils with rapid drainage and high leaching risk
• High water table and periodic flooding in low areas
• Dominant turf: St. Augustinegrass, bahiagrass, zoysiagrass
• Salt and humidity stress near lakes and ponds
• Frequent HOA and reclaimed water zones
• Stormwater pond and swale infrastructure in subdivisions
• Fertilizer blackout periods and strict water-use rules These factors distinguish Odessa from inland Central Florida or North Florida’s colder, clay-influenced landscapes.

Supporting Local Events in Odessa With Lawn Expertise

Odessa’s community integration includes support for:

• Parks and athletic field maintenance (e.g., Starkey Ranch District Park)
• School grounds and public library landscapes
• Waterfront and downtown festivals
• Neighborhood cleanups and volunteer events
• Emergency storm debris response after hurricanes or heavy rain
• Farmers markets and seasonal celebrations Collaboration with Parks & Recreation, HOAs, and local schools ensures safe, attractive, and environmentally responsible public spaces.

Odessa Parks & Recreation Department
4111 Land O' Lakes Blvd, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
Phone: (813) 929-2760
Official Website: Odessa Parks & Recreation Department

Eco-Friendly Landscaping Backed by Odessa’s Florida-Friendly and Water-Saving Initiatives

Odessa aligns with Florida-Friendly and water conservation goals by promoting:

• Smart irrigation controllers and rain shutoff devices
• Micro-irrigation for beds and foundation plantings
• Compost topdressing and grasscycling
• Pollinator-friendly and native plant beds
• Reduced-phosphorus and slow-release fertilizers
• Battery-powered equipment to lower emissions
• Turf reduction in low-use or wet areas
• Route efficiency and reduced idling for service vehicles These practices support stormwater quality, reduce chemical use, and help Odessa meet sustainability targets.

Odessa Utilities / Water Conservation Office
19420 Central Blvd, Land O' Lakes, FL 34637
Phone: (813) 235-6012
Official Website: Odessa Utilities / Water Conservation Office

Proudly Serving These Streets and Areas in Odessa

Odessa’s lawn care services cover:

• Starkey Ranch, Asturia, Ivy Lake Estates, Keystone Park Colony, Water’s Edge, Lake Mineola, Citrus Park Crossings
• Major corridors: State Road 54, Gunn Highway, Patterson Road, Boy Scout Road, Keystone Road
• Landmarks: Starkey Ranch District Park, Odessa Community Park, Lake Keystone, Lake Mineola, Suncoast Trail
• School zones: Odessa Elementary, Starkey Ranch K-8
• Downtown and historic Odessa core
• Reclaimed water and flood-prone zones near lakes and ponds
• HOA-regulated subdivisions and waterfront communities
• Conservation areas and wetland-adjacent neighborhoods This comprehensive coverage ensures regionally appropriate, environmentally responsible lawn care for all Odessa residents.

UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County
36702 State Road 52, Dade City, FL 33525
Phone: (352) 518-0156
Official Website: UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
407 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 617-7700
Official Website: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
3900 Commonwealth Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-2118
Official Website: Florida Department of Environmental Protection

National Weather Service Tampa Bay Area Office
2525 14th Ave SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
Phone: (813) 645-2323
Official Website: National Weather Service Offices

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4
61 Forsyth St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 562-9900
Official Website: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4