Ask an Agent - UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension
The place where you can ask an Extension agent a question online and get an answer within 24-72 hours. Just click on your area of interest and ask away! Be sure to check the Frequently Asked Questions first, because you may find your question (and answer) there.
Topic Areas
Florida-Friendly Landscaping
What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping
A. Florida-Friendly Landscaping means quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant. The principles of such landscaping include planting the right plant in the right place, efficient watering, appropriate fertilization, mulching, attraction of wildlife, responsible management of yard pests, recycling yard waste, reduction of stormwater runoff, and waterfront protection. Additional components include practices such as landscape planning and design, soil analysis, the appropriate use of solid waste compost, minimizing the use of irrigation, and proper maintenance.
A. . What are the key components of Florida-Friendly Landscaping?
- Aesthetics are a key component of Florida-Friendly Landscaping. Each Florida-
Friendly Landscape can be beautiful and as distinctive as its owner’s taste. Florida-
Friendly Landscapes may be designed in a wide variety of styles and types, using both native and adapted non-native species of plants. A well-maintained Florida- Friendly Landscape enhances neighborhood beauty and increases property value. - IImproving Water Quality
Applying Florida-Friendly Landscaping ™ principles helps protect Florida’s surface and ground waters. Using UF/IFAS-recommended application rates and timings of
pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation can help prevent nonpoint source pollution (water pollution that is associated with everyday human activities and driven by rainfall, runoff, and leaching) from urban landscapes. When combined with low-impact design principles—such as rain barrels, cisterns, swales and berms, and pervious
pavements—these correct cultural practices can reduce the flow of stormwater, which can carry trash, pet wastes, plant clippings, and loose soil into storm drains and water
bodies. - Water Conservation
With Florida in a multi-year drought, it’s critical that everyone does his or her part to conserve water resources. Florida-Friendly Landscapes are great water- and moneysavers.
By choosing plants appropriate for the site and maintaining them with correct cultural practices (irrigation, fertilization, mowing, and pruning), one can significantly reduce not only the amount of water a landscape needs to thrive, but also
the chance of plant diseases and pests associated with overwatering. Other Florida- Friendly Landscaping ™ techniques will reduce the amount of water lost to
evaporation or runoff. Mulching a garden bed help keeps the soil moist for longer.
Using pervious pavements like crushed shell or gravel allows rainwater to soak into the ground rather than running into storm drains. - Plant Selection
A Florida-Friendly Landscape’s beauty and functionality depend on a mix of trees, plants, and turfgrass chosen for their specific location (FFL Principle #1: “Right
Plant, Right Place”) and maintained according to UF/IFAS recommendations. Florida-Friendly Landscaping ™ principles encourage the use of both native and
adapted non-native species of plants. Invasive exotics should be removed where possible and never planted.
You can learn more the 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping by viewing the videos offered on our FYN Video page.
We are also offering an upcoming class called Step-by-Step Florida-Friendly Landscaping Training. Click the links below to download the flyers.
Still need help? You can email our Environmental Extension Agent by clicking here!
Legislation
FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING: SENATE BILL 2080
Q. How can the Senate Bill 2080 be summarized?
This bill deletes references to “xeriscape”; requires water management districts to provide model Florida-Friendly Landscaping ordinances to local governments; requires
each district to use materials developed by FDEP, UF/IFAS, and the Center for Landscape Conservation & Ecology/ Florida-Friendly Landscaping ™ Program; requires
the water management districts to coordinate with FDEP & UF/IFAS if revisions to the educational materials are needed; says that a deed restriction or covenant may not prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-Friendly Landscaping on his or
her land; says that a local government ordinance may not prohibit any property owner from implementing Florida-Friendly Landscaping on his or her land; says that local governments must use the Florida-Friendly Landscaping standards and guidelines when developing landscape irrigation and Florida-Friendly Landscaping ™ ordinances.
To see the bill, click here.
Still need help? You can email our Environmental Extension Agent by clicking here!
Ask An Agent
The place where you can ask an Extension agent a question online and get an answer within 24-72 hours.
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