Caring for Lake Conway

Planting and Weed Control

Shoreline Planting

Maximize the number of aquatic plants on your shoreline. These plants help consume nutrients that run off from your yard, and they provide habitat and food for fish and fowl. Aquatic planting should be above the shoreline to ensure summer rains and rising lake levels do not wash away plants.

Torpedo Grass

While caring for your shoreline, please clean grass clippings and keep in mind how harmful weed whacking can be. Should any stray grass shoots root, they will choke out the beneficial plants. The best approach for controlling torpedo grass is with lake-friendly herbicides.  These may only be applied with the proper permit from Orange County Environmental Protection Division (407-836-1400) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (407-858-6170).  These permits are not expensive, nor difficult to obtain.  The County-allowed weed-free area on any lot is a maximum of 30 feet. There will be no “grandfathering” of larger cleared areas.

Storm Water Control

Lawn care

Don’t overwater your lawn and consider using a soaker hose. Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. Compost or mulch yard waste. Cover piles of dirt of mulch used for landscaping

Auto care

Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its water. Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at a designated area.

Septic systems

Inspect your system every three years. Don’t dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets.

Pet waste

Remember to pick up your pet’s waste.

Residential landscaping

Use permeable pavement. Collect water in a rain barrel and recycle on lawn or garden areas. Divert rain runoff into specified gardens or grass.