The way that property owners maintain their home landscape plays a tremendous role in the health of the environment. Plants, water, chemicals, maintenace techniques and many more actions have a far reaching affect.
The University of Florida has created the Florida Friendly Yards Program
The Nine Princlpes of a Florida Friendly Yard
- Right Plant, Right Place – choosing the correct plants and grouping by their water and maintenance needs.
- Irrigate efficiently – designing water efficient landscapes and using proper watering techniques
- Mulch adequately – 2-3″ over tree roots, shrubs and plant beds
- Recycle yard wastes – use grass clippings, leaves and kitchen scraps as compost
- Fertilize appropriately – use organic or other slow release fertilizers
- Manage yard pests responsibly – environmentally safe pesticides and integrated pest management techniques
- Reduce stormwater runoff – utilize proper drainage techniques, avoid chemicals around home, clean up after pets
- Protect the waterfront – special care is needed when living on the waterfront. All actions in your yard can have a huge impact.
- Plant for wildlife – landscape to provide food, water, shelter and places to raise young
