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How to Floridify your lawn

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8 principles to have a Florida Friendly yard 

  1. Right Plant, Right Place

    Make sure your plants are suited for the light, soil, water and climate. Aim for a diversity of trees, shrubs, groundcover and flowers. Once established they should require little maintenance.shelti-3442457_1920

  2. Water Efficiently

    Group plants with similar water needs nearby and properly zone your irrigation system. Watch the weather or get a sensor that will shut off automatic sprinklers for you. The best time to water is early morning before the sun can evaporate it. Check to make sure your sprinklers are in tip top shape and don’t water the sidewalk. Try using a rain barrel to save water and $$

  3. Fertilize Appropriately

    Use the right fertilizer for the plants you are growing but keep it out of the waterways it won’t help your plants. For helpful tips click here.

  4. Mulch

    Mulch retains moisture and protects from weeds, add 2-3in to your plant beds. Keep some space from trees to prevent rot and use sustainably sourced mulch.

  5.  Manage Yard Pests Responsibly. Use Integrated pest management to control nuisance insects. Try pest resistant plants, if they still get infected just remove the bad parts. Spot treat the area instead of blanket spreading because some insects are actually trying to help control the population of the pests. 

  6. Recycle Yard Waste. Create Compost visit FDEP and the EPA's websites to learn how

  7. Reduce Stormwater Runoff. Create rain gardens or areas of depression that allow the water to soak in the ground. Point your downspout to your garden instead of the sidewalk and driveway. Try to use materials that will allow water to permeate into the ground instead of rushing into the storm drain.

  8. Protect the Waterfront. Create a 10ft no maintenance zone around waterways. Don’t let yard or pet waste enter the water. Minimize erosion with rip rap or seawalls. Plant native wetland plants and remove invasive species. 

For HOA's 

In 2009 Charlie Crist signed a law that promotes Florida-friendly landscaping. HOA’s cannot prohibit a homeowner from applying Florida-friendly landscaping practices to their property. For more information visit the Florida Statutes.

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