Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Florida-FriendlyLandscaping (FFL)
Florida-Friendly Landscaping 101Dr. Pat Williams
Agenda UF/IFAS extends educational practices anddoesn’t take sides on issues What is Extension? What is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program? Why is it important to follow the nineFlorida-Friendly Landscaping Principles?
Learning Objectives Explain the purpose of the Florida-FriendlyLandscaping (FFL) program. Understand how landscape managementpractices can impact Florida’s water andother natural resources. Know the nine FFL Principles. Locate and utilize FFL educational resources.
Comparison of LandscapesLandscape A All native No turf No water No fertilizer Nopesticides Weeds handpulled CompostingLandscape B Natives andornamentals Limited water Some fertilizer Limitedpesticides Landscape COrnamentals50% Turf areaFertilizerIrrigationIPMMulch
What is a Florida-Friendly Landscape? Can take any form, style, theme Landscape management is key
Part IOverview of FFL What is it?:– An integrated approach tomaintaining an attractive,colorful, and diverse yard Purpose:– To educate Floridians pe practices– To encourage them toconserve and protect waterresources.
FFL Yard RecognitionIn order for a landscape to be considered for recognition it must containlandscape plants. Landscapes made up entirely of rock, mulch, shell, artificial turf,or other similar materials are not considered Florida-Friendly and are not eligiblefor recognition.There are two recognition levels available, Silver and Gold.For silver level recognition, a landscape must meet all required practices andachieve (2) First Tier, (3) Second Tier and (3) Third Tier practices. If the landscapehas an in-ground irrigation system, (2) Irrigation practices must also be met. If thesite is on a waterfront practice (1) practice must be met.For gold level recognition, a landscape must meet all required practices plus theadditional gold level practices. The landscape must achieve (3) First Tier, (5)Second Tier and (5) Third Tier practices. If the landscape has an in-groundirrigation system, (3) Irrigation practices must also be met. If the site is on awaterfront practices (2) practices must be met.
Gardening in the Florida SummerWhat people think it’s likeWhat it’s really likeUsing Florida-Friendly principles can makegardening more relaxing and less work!
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Florida Statute 373.185“ quality landscapes thatconserve water, protect theenvironment, are adaptable tolocal conditions, and aredrought tolerant.”
Florida-Friendly Landscaping FL law promotes Florida-Friendly Landscaping . HOA /ARB review may still apply. Check first before making changes to your yard.
Florida-Friendly LandscapingTMFYN Programs Homeowner Builder & DeveloperGreen IndustriesBMP Program
Florida-FriendlyTMLandscapingGoals of FFL: Conserve water Reduce water pollution Preserve natural resources Enhance the lives of Floridians
Environmental ConcernsWater Quality One of Florida’s greatestnatural resources is itswater Misuse of fertilizers andpesticides can contributeto water pollution 60% of Florida’s freshwater is used onlandscape irrigation
Environmental ConcernsWater Quality Sewage is treated; stormwater is not. Storm drains carry polluted stormwaterdirectly to stormwater ponds or waterways.Lake Okeechobee. Credit: South FL Water Management District
Environmental ConcernsPopulation Growth Florida’s populationis expected to doubleby 2060. Increased demandfor water Increased pollution Decreased filtering ofpolluted run-off
Economic Concerns Tourism is Florida’s largest industry– 67 billion/year– 22 billion spent at beachdestinations Fishing industry in Florida– 6 billion/year; employs 60,000people
Economic Concerns Agriculture– 3 billion* industry– Requires clean water toirrigate crops Hunting– 1.3 billion spenthunting migratorybirds– Reliant on healthyCredit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Health Concerns Algal blooms can havehealth effects– Can cause rashes,stomach or liver illness,respiratory problems,neurological affects
Part IIThe Nine FFL PrinciplesNine Principles1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.Right plant, right placeWater efficientlyFertilize appropriatelyMulchAttract wildlifeManage yard pestsRecycle yard debrisReduce stormwater runoffProtect the waterfrontFFL is a collection of practicesinvolving landscape design,installation, operation, andmaintenance which areintended to conserve waterand protect water qualityfrom the misuse offertilizer and pesticides.
FFL Principle #1Right Plant, Right Place Cornerstone of the FFL Program Plants matched to their site require minimalinputs and maintenance
FFL Principle #1Right Plant, Right PlaceFlorida-Friendly Plants: Are not necessarily native. Are not necessarily drought tolerant. Are appropriately sited and maintained!
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceSite AnalysisSite factors to consider: Soil type Soil pH Drainage– Well-drained or poorly drained– Areas that flood in high rainfallStanding water
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceSite AnalysisMore site factors to consider: Light– Full, partial, or shade Views– Outside and from inside of house Hardscape– Walkways, driveways, pool, or fence Structural limitations and obstructions– Utility lines (overhead or underground)– Orientation of house
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceSite AnalysisClimatic Conditions Utilize FFLresources to findplants for your site. Choose plantsrecommended foryour PHZ.– Based onaverage annualminimum winterUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones in FL
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceRight Plant, Right Place Choose low-maintenanceplants suited to your sitethat require little pruning tomaintain the desired form.
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceMature Size at Maturity Choose plants that requirelittle pruning to maintain thedesired height and form. Avoid overcrowding.
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceDiversity Monocultures are proneto pests and diseases Provides varied habitatsfor wildlife Creates more seasonalinterest
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceLawn Areas Use where needed for play, pets, curb appeal, etc. Use groundcovers where grass is difficult to growor maintain due to shade, slope, etc. Mow the lawn high for a deeper root system
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceLawn Areas Reduce or eliminate areas that are difficult tomow and irrigate:- Narrow strips of grass- Unnecessary curves- Tight areas
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceComparisonLandscape 1 Quarter acre All lawn 10,890 sq. ft.Landscape 2 Quarter acre Part lawn 2723 sq. ft. Remainder planted withlow maintenance plantsLandscape 1 demands 4x theenergy costs as Landscape 2(mowing, edging, pesticides,fertilizers - Parker 1982)
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceAlternative ApproachBefore:After:
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceAlternative ApproachBefore:After:
FFL Principle #1 – Right Plant/Right PlaceAlternative Approaches
FFL Principle #2Water Efficiently Most Florida lawns and landscape plantsare irrigated with potable drinking water.
FFL Principle #2 – Water EfficientlyFlorida-Friendly Landscape DesignDesign and install landscapes that requireminimum irrigation after establishment
FFL Principle #2 – Water EfficientlyEffects of Overwatering Encourages disease Encourages weeds Promotes a shallow rootsystem Reduces oxygen to the roots– Causes stressDollarweed: indicatesoverwatering
FFL Principle #2 – Water EfficientlyIrrigate “As Needed” Only when lawn wilts Water less in cooler months grass is dormant Water less in rainy season Apply ½ - ¾ inch/applicationWilted grass blades
FFL Principle #2 – Water EfficientlyHome Water Use
FFL Principle #2 – Water EfficientlyEfficient Irrigation Separate lawn andlandscape zones Never mix rotor and sprayheads in same zone Adjust sprinklers - avoid“watering” hard surfaces Convert landscape beds tolow-volume irrigation Test irrigation systemmonthly for plant blockage,broken heads, etc.
FFL Principle #2 – Water EfficientlyLow-Volume IrrigationDrip TubingMicro-sprinklerDrip EmittersMicroirrigation applies water to the root zone(gallons per hour versus gallons per minute)
FFL Principle #2 – Water EfficientlyIrrigate in the Early Morning 4 - 7 amWind is calmTemperatures are coolerEvaporation is lowWatering between 10 AM and 4 PM high evaporation(40-60% loss)
FFL Principle #2 – Water EfficientlyWatch the Weather Don’t water if:– Rained in past 24 hours– Rain is forecast in next 48 hours Purchase a rain gauge to trackrainfall amounts. Install/maintain a rain shut-offdevice.- Required by law on automaticirrigation systems.
FFL Principle #3Fertilize Appropriately Follow UF/IFAS fertilizerrecommendations Base fertilizer purchases onsoil test results Apply only when lawn/plantsare actively growing Use a deflector shield on yourfertilizer spreader
FFL Principle #3 – Fertilize AppropriatelyFertilize Appropriately Calculate area to befertilized Avoid using “weed andfeed” products Do not fertilize newturf for 30-60 daysafter planting40’25’
FFL Principle #3 – Fertilize AppropriatelyHow much? What kind? Calculate area to befertilized. Select fertilizers withslow-release nitrogen. Avoid using “weed andfeed” products. Always read thefertilizer label.40’25’
FFL Principle #3 – Fertilize AppropriatelyWhen? Where? Don’t fertilize:- before a heavy rain;- within 10 feet of water;- new turf 30-60 daysafter planting. Do:- Sweep-up or blow-offfertilizer fromsidewalks and driveways
FFL Principle #3 – Fertilize AppropriatelyEffects of Over-Fertilizing: Stimulates excessive growthAggravates pest problemsRequires frequent wateringRuns off into stormdrains/water bodiesSeeps into shallow aquifers
FFL Principle #3 – Fertilize AppropriatelyKnow Your Plants Certain plants are proneto specific deficienciesEx: Magnesium deficiency on palms Correct a deficiency withthe specific lackingnutrientMagnesium deficiency(Ex: Use magnesium sulfate - not alawn fertilizer like 16-4-8) Know what your plant issupposed to look like(Ex: Yellow or variegated foliage may benormal)Variegated leaves
FFL Principle #4Mulch Buffers soil temperatureDiscourages weedsRetains soil moistureProtects plants from mower/string trimmer damage Can add nutrients to soil Reduces runoff & erosion Adds beauty to the landscape
FFL Principle #4 - MulchMulch Replenish mulch as needed. Create self-mulching areas under trees. Use alternative, by-products or recycledmulches when available. Maintain 2-3” layer of mulch
FFL Principle #4 - MulchMulching Do’s Use organic mulches,especially those from yourown property (leaves, etc.). Maintain a 2-3 inch layer. Replenish mulch as needed. Create self-mulching areas under trees. Purchase by-product or recycledmulches when available (pinebark, Eucalyptus, melaleuca, etc.).
FFL Principle #4 - MulchMulching Don’ts Don’t use cypress mulch. Don’t “volcano mulch.” Pull mulch 12-18” away from the base of trees;1-2” from the base of shrubs.Credit: Durham Extension Master Gardeners
FFL Principle #4 - MulchConsiderations Aesthetics– Color, texture, smell Longevity and durability Sources, availability, and price Decomposition rates Changes to soil chemistry Susceptibility to termitesSee Mulch Topic Page on EDIS:http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic mulch
FFL Principle #5AttractWildlifeImportance of Creating HabitatsImportance of Creating Habitat Urban development displacesnatural areas and reduces habitat Wildlife habitat can becreated in yards andneighborhoods Provides wildlifeviewing opportunities
FFL Principle #5 – Attract WildlifeCreate Backyard Habitat Provide food, water, cover/shelter.Limit the amount of lawn.Create vertical layers of plants.Provide snags and bird houses for cover/nesting.Manage pets.
FFL Principle #5 – Attract WildlifeProvide Food Bird feeders Native plantsZebra Longwing on FirebushRobin on Yaupon Holly
FFL Principle #5 – Attract WildlifeProvide Water Water is essential for manyfunctions– Drinking– Bathing for birds– Reproduction for amphibians Sound of water draws wildlife Even small amounts ofwater can aid many animals
FFL Principle #6Manage Yard PestsResponsibly Don’t strive for a pest-free landscape Practice Integrated Pest Management(IPM)- Use good (FFL) cultural practices- Routinely inspect plants forsigns of problems- Try alternative approaches(hand-picking, pruning)- Use least-toxic materials (soap,oil, Bt, etc.)- Spot-treat the problem- Encourage beneficial insects
FFL Principle #6 – Manage Yard Pests ResponsiblyIntegrated Pest Management (IPM) Observe plants and lawn for signs of problems,check plants regularly. Physical, biological and chemical treatments Start with the least toxic methods Know beneficial insects in your yard.
FFL Principle #6 – Manage Yard Pests ResponsiblyGreen lynx spiderPraying mantisGreen lacewing
FFL Principle #6 – Manage Yard Pests ResponsiblyCultural Practices Methods to maintain healthyplants Stressed plants are moresusceptible to attack– Ex. Chinese Elm with crowdedroots Includes:– Right plant, right place– Proper irrigation, fertilizer, etc.– Correct installation andmaintenance
FFL Principle #6 – Manage Yard Pests ResponsiblyPhysical Methods Remove pests by hand Remove infested parts Establish barriers to preventpest access to plants Example: Yellow sticky paperattracts whiteflies and otherinsects– These traps help monitor pestpopulations in greenhousesYellow sticky paper
FFL Principle #6 – Manage Yard Pests ResponsiblyChemical Controls Last resort Choose least harmful pesticides Use selective pesticides rather than broadspectrum chemicals Avoid the shotgun approach– Spot treat your yard Follow pesticide label instructionscarefully– Safety vital when handling toxic chemicals
FFL Principle #7Recycle Yard Waste Saves money onfertilizer, mulch, andwaste disposal Florida law prohibitsdisposal of yard wastein lined landfills.
FFL Principle #7 – Recycle Yard WasteRecycle Yard Waste Use fallen leavesand pine needles asmulch Create selfmulching areas Compost yarddebris
FFL Principle #7 – Recycle Yard WasteLeave Grass Clippings On The LawnGrass clippings recycle nutrients back to the turf
FFL Principle #8Reduce StormwaterRunoff Definition: excess water from irrigation,rain, or other sources.
FFL Principle #8 - Reduce Stormwater RunoffKeep Stormwater “at Home” Direct downspouts toporous areas. Sweep grass clippings,fertilizer, and soil backonto the grass.
FFL Principle #8 - Reduce Stormwater RunoffKeep Stormwater “at Home” Use porous surfaces forwalkways, patios, anddriveways.– Pavers, mulch,porous concrete Create swales andterraces to slow orhold water.
FFL Principle #8 - Reduce Stormwater RunoffReduce Stormwater Runoff Collect and storerain runoff fromyour roof in a rainbarrel or cistern Create a raingarden to captureand filterstormwater
FFL Principle #9Protect the Waterfront Every FL home is “waterfront property.” Know Your tepostal FL
FFL Principle #9 - Protect the WaterfrontProtect the Waterfront No one in Florida lives morethan 60 miles from water! 75% of Florida’s populationlives within 30 miles of thebeach Know your watershed Where does your water go?73
FFL Principle #9 - Protect the WaterfrontProtect the Waterfront A 10’ buffer zone of low maintenance plantsbetween lawn and shoreline:– Helps protect waterfront from runoff– Absorbs nutrients– Provides wildlife habitat– Prevents erosion
FFL Principle #9 - Protect the WaterfrontProtect the Waterfront Remove invasiveexotics.– Check regulations Protect/plant nativeshoreline plants
FFL Principle #9 - Protect the WaterfrontShoreline Plants Protect/plant native shoreline plants. Remove invasive exotics.– Check UF, state, andlocal lists of invasiveplants.
Part IIIFFL ResourcesFFL Handbooks & Guideshttp://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/
FFL wsletterhttp://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/
FFL Resources and much more!Landscape Pattern BooksTutorials
Yard Recognition Program
Acknowledgements Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Program Reviewers: Dr. Esen Momol, FFL Program Director,Claire Lewis, Statewide FYN Program Coordinator,Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology,UF/IFAS, and Lynn Barber, FFL Agent, UF/IFASExtension Hillsborough County Dr. Sydney Park Brown, CLCE, 2018 revision
Landscaping (FFL) program. Understand how landscape management practices can impact Florida's water and other natural resources. Know the nine FFL Principles. Locate and utilize FFL educational resources. Comparison of Landscapes Landscape A All native No turf No water No fertilizer No
6 4-H FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING 4-H FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING WORKBOOK Further Florida-Friendly Activity Be a Plant Detective In this unit you learned about habitats and types of plants that live in different places. If you would like to learn more about habitats, go with an adult and record your observations.
Landscaping projects can either be new installations of landscaping, or existing landscaping updated to benefit . biodiversity. Landscaping projects stand apart from most habitat projects in that they have a formal, defined and often manicured appearance. Most commonly, landscaping projects will consist of formal gardens.
landscaping laws, or fertilizer application, questions will arise during the Landscape Recognition process. A thorough knowledge of your checklist and FYN Handbook, The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design, as well as local legal codes and ordinances, will give you greater confidence in the field.
IMPORTANCE OF LANDSCAPING Student Learning Objectives The primary objectives of this problem area are to: 1. Develop an understanding of the reasons for landscaping. 2. of landscaping. 3. How does landscaping increase property value? The
Hard Landscaping: Hard landscaping refers to all of the structure within a garden or grounds and does not include the plants. Hard landscaping most often refers to the boundaries such as walls and fencing, and is inclusive of pathways, walls, decking, paving and patios. Soft Landscaping: Soft landscaping is pretty much, the exact
Landscaping (FFL) in residential neighborhoods. By adopting Florida-Friendly principles for residential yards homeowners will be creating environmentally sound landscapes that will conserve and protect both water and energy. Homeowners with FFL yards will enjoy attractive landscapes and wildlife, save time and money, and protect
Landscaping Guidance for Improving Air Quality near Roadways (Landscaping Guidance), which focuses on the Sacramento region and aims to translate information from the EPA Recommendations for local use. The goals of this landscaping guidance document are to: Provide guidelines for evaluating a potential vegetation barrier site;
native landscaping projects will be ecologically sound, sustainable, and attractive within a reasonable timeframe. Consultant and landscaping firms without experience and expertise in native systems can often mislead organizations seeking to implement native landscaping and restoration projects which can lead to project failure loss of investment.
