FYN - 9 Principles

Mulching

Mulching is an important step in the gardening process. Mulch keeps moisture in the soil, helps reduce weeds, and moderates soil temperatures. Maintain a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch over the roots of trees, shrubs, and garden beds. Remember to leave a two inch space between the plant trunk or stem and the mulch.

Recycle

In a Florida yard, grass clippings, leaves, and yard trimmings are recycled rather than being thrown away. By recycling your yard waste, you gain free mulch and can return nutrients to your soil through compost.

Pest Management

Pesticides provide effective treatments against serious weed and pest problems, but they should not be used routinely or indiscriminately. Unwise use of pesticides can harm people, pets, and many insects which are beneficial to our yards.

Water Efficiently

Using drought tolerant and native plants is the best way to have a truly water efficient yard. These plants thrive predominantly on rainfall. If you do have specialty plants, or turf, that require extra water, make sure to only water as needed, or when plants begin to wilt. It is also important to calibrate your irrigation system to deliver 1/2-3/4 inch per application to prevent wasting water.

Right Plant, Right Place

Soil types, temperature, and rainfall patterns differ greatly from region to region. Choosing plants that are suited to your local environment reduces the amount of water, fertilizer, and pesticides you will have to use to maintain your yard. Even within your own yard, conditions may vary greatly (sun vs. shade, acidic vs. alkaline soil). Using careful planning and site evaluation before choosing your plants will save you considerable time and money.

Fertilizing

Fertilize only when necessary to maintain the health and quality of lawns and landscape plants. When over-applied, fertilizers aggravate pest problems and make plants grow excessively. In addition these substances negatively effect water quality and harm fragile ecosystems. When fertilizing, use natural organic, or other fertilizers that contain at least 30% slow release nitrogen.

Wildlife Habitat

With more than 1,200 kinds of animals, Florida ranks third in the nation for diversity. As development continues, the habitats of our wildlife diminish. Providing food, water, and shelter in your yard will help maintain our state's diverse wildlife, and will bring you closer to nature.

Stormwater Runoff

Rain and irrigation water carry soil debris, fertilizer, and pesticides from your yard into our storm drains and out into our lakes, rivers, and bays. These substances harm water quality and fragile ecosystems. Reducing the amount of pollutants we use in our yards, and keeping rain and irrigation water on our property reduces the pollution running to our waterways.

Protect the Waterfront

Waterfront property owners realize the special contribution the waterways make to our quality of life. We can preserve these natural treasures by following conservative fertilizing and pesticide practices in our yard. In addition, by establishing a border of low maintenance, native plants between your property and the shoreline, you provide a buffer to absorb nutrients that would otherwise pollute the water.