Florida-friendly Landscapes Preserve and Protect the Environment

Florida is a gardener's paradise and some of the most beautiful landscapes and yards can be found in Florida due to to its humid, subtropical climate and near perfect weather. If you're the type of person that likes spending time outdoors with nature, being around beautiful things, relaxing and escaping the pressures of everyday life, staying active and getting exercise then creating an eco-friendly landscape for your home might be something you would enjoy. The truth is that you don't have to be a master gardener, landscaping expert or an astute horticulturist to create a beautiful, low-impact Florida-friendlyyard that offers a beautiful landscape and also helps protect and preserve Florida's natural resources, wildlife and unique beauty. All that is required is a little willingness and a desire to learn.Florida-friendly Landscaping TipsThe following environmentally-friendly landscaping tips will help get you started:

1. Choose the Right Plants - Selecting and planting the right Florida-friendly plants in the right place in your landscape will ensure they survive and stay healthy. You want to make sure the soil, sunlight and water conditions in the area you are planting are a match to the type of plants you select.

When possible, choose plants that are native to Florida or that naturally thrive in humid, subtropical climates.

Visit floridayards.org for a list of 380 Florida-friendly plants including trees, palms, flowers, shrubs, groundcovers, grasses and vines that are recommended by University of Florida/IFAS. horticulture experts.

2. Water Efficiently - Save money on water bills, conserve water resources and have a healthy landscape by selecting plants that do not require regular watering and survive on rainfall only.

Utilize low-volume irrigation like micro-irrigation in beds or use rain or soil moisture sensor technology that can override the irrigation timer when water is not needed. Water your lawn and plants only when you know they need water or show signs of stress.

3. Fertilize Properly - Your plants, lawn and trees to grow faster and stay healthier if you apply packaged fertilizer or composted organic material. Overfertilizing your lawn can aggravate pest problems and stimulate excessive growth.

Applying too much fertilizer can also seep into groundwater, the source of our drinking water and contribute to pollution in Florida's rivers, ponds, streams and lakes.

4. Control Yard Pests Responsibly - Regular pesticide applications are often unnecessary because most trees and shrubs can naturally defend themselves against pests. Beneficial insects, birds and other natural controls often suppress undesirable yard insects.

Instead of harsh, eco-unfriendly pesticides, use a combination of environmentally friendly methods, such as choosing pest resistant plants, checking plants regularly and trimming off damaged areas or pests. Spot treat affected areas and avoid blanket applications of pesticides or herbicides.

5. Mulch - Using mulch in your landscape will prevent weed growth, help conserve water and improve the overall look and appearance of your landscape. Mulch maintains soil moisture and reduces the need to water as frequently. Mulch also inhibits weed growth, buffers soil temperature and will eventually decompose and improve your soil.

6. Attract Wildlife - Butterflies and other beneficial insects will be attracted to your landscape if you provide water, food and shelter. Plant trees, shrubs and vines for cover, nesting areas and food. Provide water by adding a bird bath or small pond and wildlife cover with a birdhouse or brush pile.

7. Recycle Yard Waste - When you prune, mow and rake - recycle valuable nutrients by composting and returning it to the soil. This also helps reduce the impact on landfills.Environmental Benefits of LandscapingRecognizing that your home's landscape is part of a larger natural system will help in creating a Florida-friendly yard. There are many environmental benefits to Florida-friendly landscaping, including:

• Landscaping buffers like trees, turf, shrubs, and ground covers help reduce the flow of sediments and pollutants into nearby bodies of water. As water run-off moves through the landscaping buffer, pollutants sediments and pollutants are filtered out. Plants also benefit from the nutrients in this particulate matter.
• Planting shrubs and turf help remove smoke, dust and other pollutants from the air, improving air quality. A Virginia Cooperative Extension study, "Enhancing Our Environment through Landscaping," revealed that one acre of trees has the ability to remove 13 tons of particles and gases annually and one tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, equaling 11,000 miles of car emissions.
• Properly placed and selected plants can also significantly reduce unwanted noise pollution. The wildlife attracted to a planted habitat can add pleasant natural sounds, which mask and further diminish unnatural noise pollution.
• According to the International Society of Arboriculture Arborist News, "Making a Global Difference," planting trees helps the absorption of carbon dioxide that contributes to global warming. Trees absorb the carbon emitted by vehicles, lowering carbon emissions from fossil fuel-burning plants and reduce the energy used for climate control in buildings.

  article sources:
  http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/index.html
  http://www.floridayards.org/
  http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/yards/