Florida-Friendly Landscaping. Welcome Landscape Architects!

Transcription

1 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Welcome Landscape Architects!

2 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Documented nitrogen pollution Eco-Neighborhoods Program

3 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Interagency cooperation grew UF/IFAS lead agency Funding sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Department of Environmental Protection University of Florida Water Management Districts

4 Florida-Friendly Landscaping University of Florida IFAS Extension Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Homeowner Recognition Program Best Management Practices for the Green Industries Program Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Builder and Developer Program

5 Florida-Friendly Landscaping 2009 Legislation, Florida Statutes Ch , defines FFL: 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 water, 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.

6 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Our summary definition: Florida-Friendly Landscaping is a collection of practices involving design, installation, operation and maintenance which are intended to reduce irrigation water use, protect water quality from over-use of fertilizer and pesticides, and reduce stormwater runoff.

7 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Highlights of 2009 legislation Removes the term, Xeriscape Covenants, restrictions and ordinances may not prohibit Florida- Friendly Landscaping practices Does not invalidate architectural control committees or landscaping committees, but applies reasonable limits

8 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Highlights of 2009 legislation cont. May not violate water management district restrictions Does forbid prohibitions on: Reasonable and appropriate use of mulch Plants attractive to wildlife, such as butterfly or hummingbird gardens or other non-nuisance wildlife Swales or rain gardens, waterfront buffers Composting bins or rain barrels, etc. Does not prohibit reasonable limits such as to be well maintained or limited to a backyard, side area or screened, where feasible

9 Florida-Friendly Landscaping The Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping and The Florida-Friendly Landscaping New Construction Checklist and Homeowner Recognition Checklist

10 Florida-Friendly Landscaping New Construction Checklist Highlights: Yard Care: Covenants, Codes, Restrictions Education for new homeowners

11 New Construction Checklist Florida-Friendly Landscaping

12 Florida-Friendly Landscaping 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping right plant, right place water efficiently mulch recycle fertilize appropriately manage yard pests reduce stormwater runoff provide for wildlife protect the waterfront

13 #1: Right Plant, Right Place A healthy, thriving landscape starts with putting the right plant in the right place Once established, these plants require little supplemental water, fertilizer, or pesticides

14 #1: Right Plant, Right Place Plants established in the right location have greater resistance to disease and insects and often have greater drought tolerance

15 #1: Right Plant, Right Place: Selection Choose low-maintenance plants suited to your site Points 5 species min. (Standard) 10 species min. (Gold) Plan turf areas to be functional and design them for easy maintenance Consider the mature size when choosing plants Points Plants are spaced to avoid overcrowding

16 #1: Right Plant, Right Place: Selection Use groundcovers on slopes where grass is difficult to maintain Points Evenly shaped turf areas with no turf on steep berms or in long, narrow areas (less than 4 wide) Group plants according to their water needs Points Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices followed for landscape installation

17 #1: Right Plant, Right Place: Renovation Save healthy plants growing in appropriate locations Retain trees with long life spans Points Native plants preserved during building construction; credit for heritage trees

18 #1: Right Plant, Right Place: Renovation Move plants located too close to walls they can block air currents and prevent maintenance access Points Plants and turf installed at least 2 from the foundation and roof overhangs

19 #1: Right Plant, Right Place: Renovation Save clusters of trees and the plants growing beneath them Points Credit for groups of trees, native shrubs and groundcovers

20 #1: Right Plant, Right Place: Renovation Remove invasive plants Prerequisite

21 #1: Right Plant, Right Place: Turf Consider these factors when choosing a turfgrass: Drought tolerance Shade tolerance Wear tolerance Salt tolerance Fertility requirements Climatic conditions Leaf texture Pest and disease problems

22 #2: Water Efficiently Overwatering can cause water pollution through leaching Points Yards that do not use an irrigation system: Landscape is designed and maintained to exist predominantly on rainfall once plants are established

23 #2: Water Efficiently Much of a typical homeowner s water bill is landscape irrigation Water only when plants start to wilt and always follow local watering restrictions Prerequisite with point scale (new construction) If controlled by association, restrictions require landscape maintenance contractors to follow Green Industries Best Management Practices; calibrate system to ½ ¾ Points (homeowner) Lawns and landscape plants are watered only when needed

24 Drip or micro-spray irrigation systems apply water directly to the roots of plants, where it s needed, and lose minimal water to evaporation or wind drift Points Micro-irrigation installed in plant and flower beds #2: Water Efficiently Points Separate irrigation zones for lawn and landscape plants are maintained Points Not more than 50 percent of irrigation system is high volume (rotors or spray heads

25 #2: Water Efficiently Perform regular irrigation system maintenance Don t irrigate if rain is forecast in the next 24 hours Prerequisite Yard care: Builder provides owner with irrigation information Points Smart irrigation technology is used on in-ground systems

26 Florida law requires a working automatic rain shut-off device or switch that will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred Yard has rain gauge Prerequisites #2: Water Efficiently

27 Include a rain barrel #2: Water Efficiently Save rainwater for dry spells and save on the water bill Points Rainwater is collected and used to water plants.

28 #3: Fertilize Appropriately Applying fertilizer in incorrect amounts or at the wrong times can damage plants and contribute to nonpoint source pollution of water resources

29 #3: Fertilize Appropriately Follow UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping recommendations Look for fertilizers with slow-release nitrogen and low or no phosphorus Points Fertilizers with at least 30 percent of N in slow-release form are used Points If yard is maintained in natural state: Minimal to no supplemental fertilization is used

30 #3: Fertilize Appropriately A soil test can help you understand what nutrients are present in your soil This is important for deciding what nutrients, if any, you should add Your county Extension office can perform the test for you Points Soil test; soil amendments; steps taken to avoid and mitigate soil compaction

31 #3: Fertilize Appropriately Leave a 10-foot maintenance-free zone around water bodies Do not apply fertilizer if rain is forecast in the next 24 hours

32 #3: Fertilize Appropriately Consider plant selection carefully with reclaimed water salt content If you use reclaimed/recycled water for irrigation, remember that it can contain nutrients, including nitrogen, and adjust the amount you fertilize accordingly

33 #3: Fertilize Appropriately Apply fertilizer only when the grass is actively growing Don t use a drop spreader, which can damage the coatings on slow-release fertilizers

34 #4: Mulch Mulch provides many benefits for the home landscape Maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around established trees, shrubs, and bedding plants Prerequisite No volcano mulching around plant bases. Points Mulch is applied correctly to a depth of 3 to 4 to suppress weeds.

35 #4: Mulch The FFL Program does not recommend the use of cypress mulch, as its origins may be difficult to determine Avoid volcano mulching Mulch to the drip line of tree roots or beyond Prerequisite No high stacks of mulch by trunks Points Mulch is applied correctly to a depth of 3 to 4 to suppress weeds.

36 #4: Mulch Some mulches can become matted, preventing water and air from seeping through Rake old mulch to aerate the soil and refresh the mulch s appearance Points Self-mulching areas exist under trees where leaves can remain as they fall. Points If mulch other than yard waste is used, known by-product mulches (ie, pine bark, melaleuca) are chosen.

37 Provide habitat Enjoy their beauty and the benefits of natural pest control and pollination Points Provide for needs with a variety of vegetation, water source and shelter. #5: Attract Wildlife

38 #6: Manage Yard Pests Responsibly Scientists now recommend the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a strategy that addresses pest issues with as few chemicals as possible

39 #6: Manage Yard Pests Responsibly IPM can be more economical, efficient, and sustainable than chemical controls alone

40 #6: Manage Yard Pests Responsibly Avoiding Pest Problems: Start early IPM begins at planting time, with the selection of plants that are pest free Points The landscape is checked every 1 to 2 weeks for signs of problems, and pests and beneficials are identified. Points Non-chemical approaches to pest control are used.

41 #6: Manage Yard Pests Responsibly Avoiding Pest Problems: Using appropriate amounts of water and fertilizer is the best defense Keep an eye on your yard s plants to detect pest problems early, before any significant damage occurs

42 #6: Manage Yard Pests Responsibly Avoiding Pest Problems: Learn to recognize the insects in your garden that help manage pests and let them continue their good work Prerequisite for highest level of recognition No pesticides are used or Biological and biorational pesticides (horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps) are used only and no weed and feed products are used.

43 #7: Recycle Organic materials return valuable nutrients to the landscape and can cut down on fertilizer costs Make compost of yard and kitchen waste, like egg shells and coffee grounds, to help amend your soil Convenient location important

44 Rake up leaves and pine needles and use them as mulch or add them to the compost pile Maintain a compost bin on your property Points Grass clippings are left on lawn or used on site. Points Yard waste is used on site. Points Compost pile is maintained with yard clippings, leaves, kitchen scraps, etc. Points Topsoil and vegetation saved and reused onsite. #7: Recycle

45 #8: Reduce Stormwater Runoff Runoff carries fertilizer, pesticides, oil, and other materials into surface and groundwater, contributing to nonpoint source pollution The decisions we make on landscapes directly influence the health of Florida s water Points Show that BMPs for erosion control were followed during construction.

46 #8: Reduce Stormwater Runoff Design a rain garden Rain gardens are grasses and other wetland plants that filter water before letting it flow naturally into the ground Points Rain gardens, swales or terracing catch or filter stormwater runoff.

47 #8: Reduce Stormwater Runoff Aim downspouts at a porous surface, not a driveway or sidewalk, so that water can soak into the soil Whenever possible, use porous materials (brick, earth, shell) for walkways, driveways, and patios Prerequisite for new construction and homeowner recognition Roof runoff (with or without downspouts) drains onto lawn or landscaped areas rather than onto impervious surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

48 #8: Reduce Stormwater Runoff Earthen swales and berms, located perpendicular to a slope, help capture or slow runoff that otherwise rushes from yards Grade soil to slope away from house and direct water into plant beds or swales Points Swales, terraces and/or rain gardens created to catch and filter stormwater.

49 #8: Reduce Stormwater Runoff Rain barrels and cisterns can capture a significant amount of water and can have a tangible effect on water bills Points Storage provided for harvested water in a rain barrel, cistern or above ground tank.

50 #8: Reduce Stormwater Runoff Porous surfaces intercept rainwater before it can become polluted stormwater runoff. ground. Points Pervious surfaces, such as mulch, bricks, gravel, porous pavers, or flagstone are used for walkways, patios, and driveways.

51 #9: Protect the Waterfront No matter where you live, surface water that leaves your landscape as runoff will eventually drain into a water body called a watershed

52 #9: Protect the Waterfront All watersheds are ultimately connected to a groundwater aquifer that supplies Florida s drinking water What we do in our landscapes has further-reaching consequences than we might imagine

53 #9: Protect the Waterfront Leave a maintenance-free zone of at least 10 feet between the landscape and the riparian zone Points Border of low-maintenance plants established between the lawn and shoreline/seawall to absorb nutrients and provide wildlife habitat; native vegetation planted in front of seawall or along shoreline. Prerequisite Remove exotic aquatic plants

54 #9: Protect the Waterfront Don t let grass clippings get washed into the water body Points Street gutters are free of grass clippings, trash and debris.

55 Revised Florida-Friendly Checklists New construction: Home lots and common areas meet minimum points for certification Covenants require Green Industries BMPs for installation and maintenance Covenants require annual education of FYN to association members Enhanced stormwater ponds and other stormwater reduction measures (low impact development) Development-wide amenities for wildlife

56 Follow the 9 FFL Principles for a sustainable, healthy, beautiful, and cost-efficient landscape. 1. Right Plant, Right Place 2. Water Efficiently 3. Fertilize Appropriately 4. Mulch 5. Attract Wildlife 6. Manage Yard Pests Responsibly 7. Recycle 8. Reduce Stormwater Runoff 9. Protect the Waterfront

57 Aesthetics: Landscape must meet 4 of the following 5 requirements Landscape appears to be actively managed. Appropriate pruning practices are apparent. Defined landscape beds. Landscape matches aesthetic of community. Landscape and household debris is properly disposed of or recycled.

58 Gold Level Prerequisites, over and abovethe standard prerequisites: Landscape does not contain any plants found on the current UF/IFAS Assessment Invasive-Not Recommended list ( Landscape contains at least 10 species of plants. A soil nutrient test has been performed. No high-volume irrigation is used on site. Landscape meets 5 of 5 aesthetics requirements.

59 This presentation was adopted from The Nine Florida-friendly Landscaping Principles Module authors: UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Module editors: Georgia Gelmis - UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Brian Niemann - UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Overall editors: Dr. Jennifer Gillett-Kaufman - UF/IFAS Entomology & Nematology Editing and advisory team: Dr. Eileen Buss, Dr. Joan Dusky, Dr. Barbra Larson, Kathy Malone, Dr. Esen Momol, Dr. Terril Nell, Kurt Rowe, Dr. Laurie Trenholm, Tom Wichman, Dr. Gail Hansen Graphic design: Hope Johnson - UF/IFAS Entomology & Nematology Department

60 Thank you for participating! For more information, contact your county Extension office at: