Producing a Sustainable Landscape for Conserving
Water, Soil & Vegetation Resources:
Florida-Friendly Yard/Neighborhood, City & County
John J. Pipoly III, Ph.D., FLS, Urban Horticulture Extension Agent
Sandra Granson, Urban Horticulture Technician
UF-IFAS/Broward County Extension Ed, Parks & Recreation Division
Problems
•
Polluted water runoff is a major water quality issue across South
Florida
•
Storm water runoff carries pollutants directly into canals, rivers and
the ocean owing to increases in impervious surfaces such as
pavement.
•
Aquifer recharge in natural systems runs ca. 36% in FL, whereas in
urban systems it might reach 15%, with over 35% lost as runoff.
•
Our current drought threatens the security of our water supply, and
threatens the health of our urban landscape.
•
An average of one new exotic pest, threatening native or exotic plant
species, is introduced into Broward County EACH MONTH.
•
Poorly designed, planted and maintained landscapes waste water,
cause runoff, and often endanger workers and the public…
increasing liability and wasting money.
Runoff
Water that flows
off of yards, roads
parking lots, and
other impervious
surfaces and
washes into canals,
streams, bays and
other water
reservoirs.
Storm water runoff refers to runoff
during storm events.
Runoff can carry pollutants into
water bodies without going
through a treatment process.
Pollutants can also leach
through the soil into
groundwater (water supply).
Runoff
In much of Broward County
the storm sewers in the streets
drain DIRECTLY into the canals
PLEASE be careful !
Natural Conditions
Courtesy May, U of W
Developed Conditions
Courtesy May, U of W
Florida-Friendly Landscaping
An approach to landscape
design and maintenance that
emphasizes the:
•health of the landscape,
•resistance to salt, drought,
and storms,
•with minimal inputs
•an understanding of the
connection of the yard to the
larger ecosystem, including
reducing contributions to
climate change.
LID Site
Conservation
Porous
Pavement
Lot Level
Source
Controls
Narrower
Streets
Amended
Soils
Rain
Gardens
Open
Drainage
Rain
Barrel
Low Impact Development
Multiple Systems
LID
Development
Conservation
Minimization
Soil Amendments
Open Drainage
Rain Gardens
Rain Barrels
Education
Disconnected
Decentralized
Distributed
Multi-functional
Water Use
Comparison of Developments
Site Fingerprinting
What is a "Florida-Friendly Yard"?
A Florida-Friendly Yard
can take any form,
unique or traditional.
You can create a
Florida-Friendly Yard, or
any landscape by:
-- changing the way you take
care of your landscape
-- changing landscape plants
or features
A Florida-Friendly Yard
incorporates 9 principles:
•
•
•
•
•
Right plant, right place
Water efficiently
Fertilize appropriately
Mulch
Attract wildlife
• Manage yard pests
responsibly
• Recycle yard waste
• Reduce stormwater runoff
• Protect the waterfront
Plan First!
• This is a process, not a
one-time event!
• Know the plants and
what they require to thrive
• Know the site
characteristics (light,
soil type, soil drainage,
structures and
obstructions like utility
poles, etc.)
Principle 1: Right Plant, Right
Place
• Choose low-maintenance
plants.
• Reduce the need for
water, fertilizer, pesticides
and pruning by using
plants suited to the
specific site conditions.
• Use turfgrass for
specific purposes.
Remove Invasive Exotics
• Invasive exotics are altering native plant
communities by:
– changing soil chemistry, plant community
structure and ecological function
– displacing native species
Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata
– hybridizing with natives
http://www.fleppc.org/list/07list_ctrfld.pdf
STRATIFY your Design
to increase HURRICANE resistance
Canopy
Subcanopy
or
Understory
Shrub layer
Herb &
Groundcovers
• The greater the number of strata (layers)
• The greater the protection from hurricane
damage and
• The greater the reduction in temperature at
ground level
DIVERSIFY the Species to Protect
Against Pests and Disease
• Do NOT plant the
same species in a
single row, even if
it is native
• Try to compose a
hedge with
several species
instead of only
one
Install Plants Correctly!
Install Plants Correctly!
How Far to Plant from Structures
Shrubs and foundation plantings should be planted half
their mature width PLUS one foot from the wall.
5 foot wide at maturity
House
2 ½ feet + 1 foot =3 ½ feet
½ the mature width plus one foot from wall
Principle 2: Water Efficiently
Efficient watering is the key
to a healthy landscape and
to reducing runoff.
• Use micro-irrigation for plant beds.
• Group plants with similar watering needs.
• Check and maintain the irrigation system.
• Use a rain shut-off device and a rain gauge.
• Rain shut-off devices are required by state law
on all new irrigation systems installed after 1991.
Soil Moisture Sensors
Calibrate Irrigation Systems
Determine time to apply 1/2 - 3/4 inch water.
Watering Rules
• For residents and businesses in Broward County
(except Dania and Hallandale Beaches) effective
4/18/08
– Odd addresses may irrigate Wednesdays and Saturdays from
12 am to 10 am OR 4 pm to 11:59 pm.
– Even addresses may irrigate Thursdays and Sundays from 12
am to 10 am OR 4 pm to 11:59 pm.
– SFWMD recommends ¾-1” water once/wk early morning
– Hand-watering 10 mins/day for stress relief
– Low-volume drip or microjet irrigation not limited but should be
reduced.
– No restrictions to car/boat washing, pressure cleaning or
fountains
– Golf courses must reduce by 30%
– Dania and Hallandale Beaches, must follow modified Phase III
https://my.sfwmd.gov/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/COMMON/PDF/SPLASH/O
RDER_NO_2007_191_LOSA_MOD_PHASE3.PDF
Water Efficiently
Design and maintain a yard
that thrives predominantly on
rainfall once plants are
established.
Principle 3: Fertilize Appropriately
• Use Design landscapes to
minimize need for fertilizers.
• slow-release fertilizers,
compost or other organic
materials to decrease the risk
of nitrates getting in to the
water system.
• Proper handling and applying
of fertilizers is essential.
DISADVANTAGES OF:
Water Soluble Nitrogen (Quick Release)
• The potential for leaching and
burning is greater due to
misapplication
–Apply no more than ½ lb. N/ 1000 ft2
per application
–Irrigate fertilizer in with ¼” of water
–Postpone fertilization if rainfall is
expected
• Too much water can move the nutrients
past the root zone, where they can leach
into groundwater
Fertilizer burn
ADVANTAGES OF:
Water Insoluble Nitrogen (Slow Release)
• Slowly released to plants
• Useful in hot, rainy weather
• Drop-type spreaders can
damage coating
• Apply no more than 1 lb. N/
1000 ft2 per application
Principle 4: Mulch
Keeping a 2-3” layer of mulch will
• Help to retain soil
moisture
• Suppress weeds
• Buffer soil
temperature
• Minimize erosion
• Improve soil by adding
organic matter
Use by-product or recycled mulches
Pine bark mulch
Melaleuca mulch
Melaleuca chemicals inhibit seed germination;
Eucalyptus mulch repels many insects
Leaves can
remain under
trees for a
“self mulching”
area.
Principle 5: Attract Wildlife
Use a diversity of plants in your garden and
provide food, water and shelter to diverse
wildlife.
Managing for Wildlife
•
•
•
•
Vertical layers of vegetation
Plant natives for pollinators
Limit use of pesticides!
Stop mowing- Weeds add
wildlife value to your yard!
Bidens alba
Long-tailed skipper feeding
on Bidens alba.
Callicarpa americana
Principle 6: Manage Yard
Pests Responsibly
Unwise use of pesticides can
harm people, pets, beneficial
organisms and the environment.
Bacterial organisms
Use management techniques that
reduce the need for chemical spraying.
When needed, use low risk products
such as oils and soaps.
Safer soaps
Integrated Pest Management
• Focus on prevention:
-plant pest-resistant species/cultivars
-keep plants healthy
-attract beneficial insects
-plant for diversity
• Monitor growth, development, flowering
• Know key plants/key pests
• Spot-treat when necessary
• Use least-toxic controls
• Consider acceptable damage
• Minimize pesticide use to keep
beneficial insects
Principle 7: Recycle Yard &
Household Waste
In a Florida-Friendly Yard, grass clippings,
leaves and yard trimmings are recycled on site to
provide added nutrients to the soil and to reduce
waste disposal.
Use Compost
• Apply to plant
beds as a soil
amendment.
• Use as mulch.
• Blend with sand,
peat, and perlite
for a potting
medium.
Layer 1”-2” of compost underneath decorative
mulch to save money and improve soil fertility.
Grasscycling
• Grass clippings can be left on the lawn
– Saves money- This is equivalent to about one
fertilizer application per year!
– Saves time
• Remove only 1/3
of the grass blade
Grasscycling does not result in thatch build-up.
Thatch is stem and root overgrowth caused by overfertilization and over-watering.
Principle 8: Reduce Stormwater
Runoff
• Even if fertilizer is applied at proper rates, too
much water following fertilization can result in
leaching or runoff
• Use a fertilizer deflector shield when fertilizing
near water bodies
• Do not apply fertilizer within at least 10 ft of
waters edge
• Sweep spilled fertilizer back into lawn or
landscape and clean up other sources of
pollution (pet waste, car oils, etc.)
Minimize runoff by using
pervious surfaces
for walkways, patios, and driveways
Reduce runoff by directing
irrigation to plants, not streets
Rain Barrels
• Collect and harvest
rain water for
irrigation purposes.
• Rainwater runs off
roof into the barrel
from the downspout.
• A screen fastened
over the inlet prevents
leaves or insects from
entering.
See http://www.broward.org/extension/pdf/waterconservation.pdf
Residential Rain Gardens
All water falling in your yard
should remain in your yard.
• Direct
downspouts toward
beds or lawn.
Principle 9: Protect the Waterfront
Landscapes bordering surface waters
need to be maintained with special
sensitivity to the environment.
• Establish a “no fertilizer, no pesticide”
zone along the shoreline (at least 10 feet)
Protect the Shoreline
• Vegetated slopes
– Buffer wave action
– Absorb nutrients
– Prevent erosion
– Attract wildlife
Before
After
Resources for Florida
Friendly Landscaping
UF-IFAS/Broward County Extension Ed, http://www.broward.org/extension/
Broward County Urban Horticulture
http://www.broward.org/extension/hrwelcome.htm
Florida Yards and Neighborhoods http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/
FYN Handbook
available online
On-line Floridafriendly plant list
Florida Yards &
Neighborhoods (FYN)
UF/IFAS Extension program developed to address the
serious problem of soil and water quality degradation
caused by stormwater runoff and non-point source
pollution.
Implemented through Broward County Extension,
Parks & Recreation Division in collaboration with
Broward NatureScape, Water Resources Division,
Environmental Protection and Growth Management
Department.
Provides educational materials, workshops, yard
evaluations, outreach to homeowners and landscape
professionals (varies by county).
Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
and Florida Master Gardeners
Florida Master Gardeners of Broward County
are here to assist you.
Local Master Gardener Coordinators are
located in 26 of the 33 Broward Cities and
serve over 31,000 residents annually.
Email: [email protected] for all
your diagnostic needs and information.
NatureScape Broward sends out Master
Gardener Yard Inspectors when you have
finished planting your Florida-Friendly Yard for
Recognition in the FYN and NatureScape
Programs.
State FYN program:
www.SolutionsForYourLife.com/fyn
www.FloridaYards.org
Broward County FYN program:
Dr. John Pipoly, FYN Coordinator; Sandra Granson,
Horticulture Technician;
http://www.broward.org/extension/hrwelcome.htm
Email: [email protected]
Broward County NatureScape:
Diana Guidry, NatureScape Outreach Coordinator
www.co.broward.fl.us/naturescape/islandsofgreen.htm
Roles of Broward County Urban Horticulture Extension
• Formulates Implementation Policy for the Florida Yards &
Neighborhoods residential and commercial developments in
Broward County
• Passes FYN policy, new science-based BMPs to Broward
NatureScape for Implementation
• Coordinates the activities of over 130 active Master
Gardeners who serve as FYN Yard Advisors with NatureScape,
Instructors in 4-H Junior Master Gardeners, advisors to
municipal tree giveaways, city and county parks, homeowner
associations, and deliver lectures and demonstrations in schools
• Works with BC Commercial Horticulture Extension to
formulate new Best Management Practices for increasing
sustainability of landscapes.
• Is the Identification authority for pests, poisonous plant
identification and landscape disease diagnosis.
Urban Horticulture Extension, using UF-Science-based Best
Management Practices (BMPs), prepares original Planting
Guides for use in plant giveaways to empower landscapers and
homeowners to SELECT, INSTALL and MAINTAIN the most
DROUGHT-, HURRICANE- and COST-EFFICIENT plants
Urban Horticulture Extension
• Provides the Public Answer
Hotline with intensively trained (12week lecture, lab and field course)
Master Gardeners who answer
nearly 11,000 residents’
inquiries/yr on sustainable
landscape & integrated pest
management
• Supervises 130 Master Gardeners
through a series of 31 Local
Master Gardener Coordinators
operating Mobile Extension
Offices, in 26 Cities, and serving
nearly 31,000 residents/yr
Roles of Broward County Commercial Horticulture Extension
• Works with UF-IFAS Research & Education Centers (RECs), UF
Environmental Hort Department, International Arboriculture Society,
Florida Nursery Growers & Landscapers Association, Landscape
Inspectors Association of Florida and others to design, formulate,
test and teach research-based Best Management Practices
• Teaches four courses in tree trimming that cover selection, site
preparation, planting, establishment, maintenance, recovery
after hurricanes and safety.
• Holds workshops with RECs in the areas of nursery management,
sustainable landscaping for municipalities and resident
associations, integrated pest management and water
conserving irrigation Best Management Practices
• Updates irrigation BMPs for South FL Water Management
District and Pesticide BMPs for FL Dept. Ag & Consumer
Services
Objectives for Sustainable Landscape,
turf, irrigation and pest control BMPs
• Reduce off-site transport of sediment, nutrients, and
pesticides through surface water or ground water.
• Increase landscape drought-, wind-, and disease tolerance
• Severely reduce water use and maintenance costs; reduce
hazardous trees and lower liabilities while increasing
worker and public safety
• Control or eradicate pests (including Africanized
Honeybees) without hurting other wildlife
Through:
•Use of appropriate site design,
location and management.
•Use of appropriate rates and methods
for applying fertilizer, pesticides and
irrigation.
In Summary
• Programs in Urban & Commercial
Horticulture from Broward Co
Extension can effectively assist with
training of personnel to achieve a
sustainable landscape that will
increase cost-effectiveness and
conservation of water, soil and plant
resources
• Master Gardeners trained at BC
Extension can assist
municipalities in managing
landscapes of parks and museums
while educating residents on
sustainable landscaping and
integrated pest management.
Contact:
[email protected] or
954-370-3725.