Strategies to help you reach the goal of a
Florida Friendly Yard

Water Efficiently ^Why?

Choose drought-tolerant plants for your landscape
Group plants with similar water needs together
Use low-volume irrigation such as a drip or micro-spray system in your plant beds
Design or modify your sprinkler system to water your lawn separately from plant beds
Water your lawn and plants only when they show signs of stresslet your plants tell you when they need water
Put a rain gauge in your yard to track rainfall and avoid unnecessary watering
Connect an automatic rain shutoff device to your sprinkler system (required by Florida state law)
Have a soil moisture sensor or other smart irrigation technology connected to your irrigation system
Mow lawns high to encourage a deeper, more drought and pest-tolerant root system

Right Plant, Right Place. ^Why?

Select drought tolerant and low-maintenance plants that correspond to your sites natural soil, light, and water conditions.
Reduce yard waste by selecting plants that wont require frequent pruning
Help stop the spread of invasive plants by removing them from your yard.

Fertilize Appropriately ^Why?

Fertilize only if needed
Use compost and other soil amendments to improve soil health
Choose fertilizers that contain 30% or more slow-release nitrogen
If needed, use iron (ferrous sulfate or chelated iron) instead of nitrogen to make your lawn green in the summer
Use slow-release fertilizer not exceeding the rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square ft during each application. (For quick release fertilizer, which is not recommended, do not exceed the rate of a pound nitrogen per 1,000 square ft for each application.)
Dont use weed and feed products that contain both fertilizer and herbicide together

Mulch ^Why?

Maintain 2 to 3 inches of mulch over the roots of trees, shrubs, and plant beds
Use mulch or groundcovers to replace grass in difficult-to-reach areas such as narrow strips between beds or in very shady spots
Create self-mulching areas under trees where fallen leaves remain on the ground
Choose recycled mulch or by-product alternatives (Melaleuca, leaves, pine needles, or bark), and avoid unsustainable cypress mulch
Leave at least 2 inches space around the base of trees and plants when applying mulch

Attract Wildlife ^Why?

Plant native vines, shrubs, and trees that provide cover, nesting areas, and food
Provide a water source, such as a bird bath or small pond
Incorporate shelters like a birdhouse, bat house, brush pile, or snag (dead tree)

Manage Yard Pests Responsibly ^Why?

Choose pest resistant plants and keep them healthy
Avoid over-fertilizing and over-watering, which can make plants more susceptible to pests and disease
Be willing to accept some pest damage
Avoid routine applications of pesticidesapply pesticides only if and when needed
Treat only affected areas rather than spraying your entire lawn or yard
Check plants regularly for signs of pest problemsearly detection makes pest management much easier
Provide habitat for beneficial insects and remove pest insects by hand
Use environmentally friendly pest controls such as horticultural oils, Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), and insecticidal soaps

Recycle Yard Waste ^Why?

Reduce Stormwater Runoff ^Why?

Direct downspouts and gutters to drain into the lawn, beds, or rain barrels and cisterns
Use gravel, pavers, crushed shell, or mulch for walkways, patios, and driveways to absorb water and prevent runoff
Create swales (low areas) or a rain garden to collect and filter rainwater
Sweep grass clippings, fertilizer, and soil off driveways and streets back onto the lawn
Remove trash from street gutters before it gets washed into storm drains
Clean up oil spills and leaks on the driveway with kitty litter and then sweep it into the trash
Pick up after your pets

Protect the Waterfront ^Why?

Establish a fertilizer- and pesticide-free area along your shoreline of at least 10 feet
Remove invasive exotic plants from the water by cutting, pulling, or raking (check with your local Department of Environmental Protection office first to find out if you need a permit)
Plant a buffer zone of low-maintenance plants between your lawn and the shoreline to absorb nutrients and provide a wildlife habitat
Plant native aquatic vegetation in front of your seawall or along your shoreline