Less is best. Grass, that is. Members of the University of Florida’s Extension Office described the nine basic fundamentals of Florida Friendly Landscapes and imparted sage advice that left some scratching their heads.
Magic formula to Florida-friendly lawns More plants, less lawn
As an example, do your shrubs need constant pruning? Then you don’t have the right shrub in the right place.
“It’s not healthy to prune over and over,” said Wilma Holley, a Florida Friendly Landscaping program specialist with the UF/IFAS Extension. “If you need something five feet tall, look for a plant that grows five feet tall. Then you can rest in the hammock and enjoy Florida because you aren’t pruning all the time.”
Additionally they provided guidelines on how to begin establishing a Florida lawn, and went over some of the improper habits that keep Floridians from being Florida friendly.
One of those improper habits is over-fertilizing. How often each year is it best to fertilize? Once, experts say, if at all. In the Spring.
“We don’t recommend fertilizing plants when they are dormant,” Holley said. “It shocks them.”
Other key takeaways:
• Decrease the amount of turf or lawn you have. Have an area where grass is having a difficult time growing? Filling large areas with Florida Native plants, trees and shrubs covered in eye appealing mulch doesn’t just require less watering, but significantly less fertilizer and pesticides.
And, said Holley, it will create shade and places for wildlife to appreciate. A number of those critters eat pesky bugs.
“You want to attract pollinators, butterflies and bees. It’s a different approach than what most people are used to,” Holley said. “Diversify your ground cover. Monocultures are prone to pests and diseases. A variety provides more diverse wildlife.”
• Forget about fertilizer or pesticides. Pat Williams, UF’s residential horticulture extension agent, said he doesn’t use any fertilizer or pesticides, given that they both create problems.
“Misuse of fertilizers and pesticides play a role in water pollution,” Williams said. “Sixty percent of Florida fresh water is used on landscape irrigation. We can lower that amount significantly with Florida friendly landscaping.”
• Do an irrigation audit. Not many people realize how much water their sprinklers actually provide. Williams described a simple test to determine. Put out an empty coffee can in an area of lawn. It ought to fill 1 / 4 inch with water during a normal cycle. That’s enough. If it’s filling the can more, then you’re over watering. Decrease the time for each watering cycle accordingly.
• Don’t water the driveway or roadway or sidewalks or the side of your residence. Adjust sprinkler heads accordingly. Microwatering systems, like drip lines, can also be useful and use significantly less water if maintained properly.
Were you aware?
After a tree has been established for seven years it no longer needs any watering.
A telltale indication of over-watering is the dollar weed.
Florida is the only state in the nation with an overall rain sensor statute.
Established in 1991, the rain sensor statute relates to all new automatic sprinkler systems: “Any person who purchases and installs an automatic lawn sprinkler system after May 1, 1991, shall install, and must maintain and operate, a rain sensor device or switch that will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred.” (Florida Statute 373.662).
Unfortunately, the sensors often fall into disrepair within a few years of being installed. That’s the reason why you see sprinklers still operating when it’s raining.
Did you know?
Your homeowners association can’t prohibit you from installing and maintaining Florida friendly landscapes.
Consult with your HOA prior to making changes to your landscape, suggests UF/IFAS Extension. HOAs typically have a landscape review board and can regulate the overall look and varieties of plantings in your yard, provided they do not prohibit you from installing Florida friendly landscapes. It’s the law. It is possible to urge your HOA to implement all or a portion of the model Florida Friendly Landscaping restrictions found online at FYN.ifas.ufl.edu/.
9 principles of Florida-friendly landscaping
Right plant, right place. Plants selected to fit a specific site require minimal amounts of water, fertilizers and pesticides. Experts say if you don’t follow this No. 1 principle, none of the rest matters.
Water efficiently. Irrigate just when your lawn and landscape need water. Efficient watering is paramount to a healthy Florida yard and conservation of limited resources.
Fertilize appropriately. Less is often best. Overuse of fertilizers can be hazardous to our landscape and the environment.
Use pesticides sparingly. Unwise use of pesticides can harm people, pets, beneficial organisms as well as the environment. Manage yard pests responsibly
Recycle. Grass clippings, leaves and yard trimmings recycled on site provide nutrients back to the soil and minimize water disposal when reused on your landscape.
Mulch. Maintaining a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch will help retain soil moisture, prevent erosion and suppress weeds. Over-mulching, especially around the base of a plant or shrub, could be unhealthy.
Attract wildlife. Plants in your landscape that supply food, water and shelter will attract Florida’s diverse wildlife.
Reduce storm-water runoff. Water running off your landscape can carry pollutants like soil, debris, fertilizer, gasoline and pesticides that can negatively impact water quality. What about installing water barrels around your residence?
Protect the waterfront. Waterfront property, whether on a river, stream pond, bay or beach, is very fragile and need to be carefully protected to maintain freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Have a questions or concern? Nick, Cindy & Nicholas Davis with RE/MAX Premier Group are here to assist you with all your Real Estate Needs. We are always available at 813-300-7116 to answer your questions or you can simply click here and we will be in touch with you shortly.
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