Blowing loose grass clippings off roads and driveways isn't just about being tidy. It's a best management practice in place to protect the Indian River Lagoon and it's the law!
That's because grass clippings are harmful when rain carries them into nearby water bodies and eventually into the Indian River Lagoon, where they can contribute to problematic algal blooms. But all those grass clippings can be a valuable resource for your yard, because when they decompose they act as a natural fertilizer for your soil. Any clippings on hard surfaces, such as in the road or on the driveway, must be blown back into your yard where they can do good for your plants or be swept up and removed if you find it preferable not to have loose clippings back on your lawn. Grass clippings and other loose vegetative materials must be kept out of waterbodies or infrastructure that leads to water bodies. This is a regulation within the Town's Code of Ordinances in accordance with Best Management Practices of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
It's useful to be aware also that the Orchid Island Golf & Beach Community Association requires all landscape contractors performing residential maintenance within the community to use only electric or battery powered blowers - gas powered blowers are not permitted for residential landscape use.
Although algal blooms are of particular concern during the wet and hot summer months, it's important that your landscaper properly manages your lawn clippings and other vegetative debris all year ‘round. After all, this may be the greenest way to recycle!