Native Florida Friendly Landscaping

Irrigation of lawns and landscaping in the North Bay Village represents the one of the largest uses of water. The Florida Friendly Landscaping Program, spearheaded by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF – IFAS) , helps residents protect natural resources and preserve their community’s unique beauty.

Are you a landscaper interested in learning more about certification classes? More information can be found HERE.

Learn to protect the environment you live in by implementing these Nine Principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping Program:

• Right Plant, Right Place – Select plants that are well suited to have minimal amounts of water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Water Efficiently – Irrigate your lawn only when needed.
• Fertilize Appropriately – Use less fertilizers often. Putting lots of fertilizer can be harmful to your yard and environment.
• Mulch – Be sure to maintain at least 2-3 of mulch. Mulch will help retain the important ingredients for a healthy yard.
• Attract Wildlife – Plants that provide food, water, and shelter can help conserve Florida’s wildlife.
  Manage Yard Pests
• Responsibly – Be sure to use pesticides responsibly. Unwise use of pesticides can harm those around you.
• Recycle – Grass clippings, leaves and yard trimmings composted and recycled on site provide nutrients to the soil and reduce waste disposal.
• Reduce Stormwater Runoff – Runoff water carries many things with it such as fertilizer and pollutants that can affect water quality.
• Protect the Waterfront – Waterfront property (pond, bay, or beach) should be carefully protected to help maintain the marine ecosystem.

For information, please visit Florida Friendly Landscaping: The Smart Way to Grow

Lawn and Garden
Xeriscape is landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment. Xeriscaping encourages the use of low maintenance plants such as native species and environmentally sustainable practices such as minimization or elimination of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. In addition to helping conserve water resources, xeriscape landscaping practices reduce the amount of pollutants reaching Biscayne Bay and surrounding waterbodies.

Grass clippings, leaves and yard trimmings composted and recycled on site provide nutrients to the soil and reduce waste disposal.