Even though Florida is often referred to as the Sunshine State, it can also experience harsh winters with sudden overnight freezes. Some summers are cruel, too, with blistering heat not only affecting the residents, but also animals and plants. If your home has a landscape, it can prove to be difficult to maintain given the unpredictable weather — but it’s not impossible. Read on for some Florida-friendly landscaping tips that can help keep your property beautiful:
Water infrequently but thoroughly.
There’s no need to water your lawns every single day. To keep it looking in tiptop shape, you only need about 3/4 to 1 inch of water once a week, or once every two weeks if the weather is cold enough. You may think that infrequent watering can be harmful to your lawn, but when done right, it can actually encourage deep rooting, as well as healthier plants that are more tolerant to droughts.
Do proper mulching.
Contrary to popular belief, mulch is not solely for beauty and weed control. You need at least 203 inches of mulch in your flower beds and around trees to conserve water. When the mulch is seeped down to the roots without running off, it can keep the roots cooler and not require as much water to stay healthy. Much also contributes to the prevention of erosion, a problem that is prevalent during Florida summers. If you’re not too keen on using mulch, rocks and gravel are also great options and deliver a different aesthetic.
Skip the fertilizer.
During frequent rains, the fertilizer can be washed into bays, lagoons, rivers, lakes, and oceans. This can be a problem in the summer months when residents, tourists, and animals spend a lot of time in the water. You can help reduce fertilizer pollution by simply not using it. In places like Tampa where the soil has lots of phosphorus content, fertilizer is no longer needed. In fact, there are areas in Florida that already impose a fertilizer ban.
Don’t plant too much.
While it’s important to keep your landscape looking lively, you should also be cautious about overdoing it. You don’t want crowding and pruning to be a problem later on. If you want plants that thrive in the heat and don’t need much maintenance, you can opt for beautyberries, elephant ears, and beach sunflowers. These plans are not only beautiful but also drought-resistant, making them perfect for Florida homes.
Plant smaller trees.
To save money, you might want to opt for smaller trees than larger trees as they are more cost-effective. They are also sturdier and less susceptible to natural elements and storm damage. Look into trees like Twilight Crape Myrtle, Dogwood, and Hydrangea. These trees typically grow well in the Florida heat and yield gorgeous flowers.
Wrapping up
By following the tips listed above, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to create and maintain a landscape worthy of praise. If you need professional help with your landscape design in Tampa, get in touch with us to see how we can help bring your dream landscape into reality.
