Converting a Traditional Yard to a Florida-Friendly Landscape

1. Converting a Traditional Yard to a Florida-Friendly Landscape FYN In-Service Training Author: Gail Hansen, PhD Thursday, March 4, 2010

2. Converting a Traditional Yard to a Florida-Friendly Landscape

3. Converting a development landscape….. Before 4 trees 55 plants 1 tree species 2 plant species

4. …to a Florida-Friendly Landscape After Florida-Friendly Landscape 19 trees 436 plants 6 tree species 18 plant species

5. Less sod- More plants Erosion control, buffers, filter water, play areas, dog runs

6. Phased Installation Three phase, 7 step process Protect the soil Spreads cost over time

7. Avoid a Mulch yard

8. Phase I: Step 1Develop a Master Plan Analyze site Design hardscape Select plants Locate trees Locate plants

9. Inventory and Analysis Soil tests Water flow Sun/Shade Vegetation Views

10. Elements of aMaster Plan A Functional lawn C Pathways H Work area J Wildlife area K Structures

11. Small but functional

12. Lawn Panel Borders Simple shape

13. Pathways Organization Access Interest

14. Structures Organization Interest Utility

15. Utility/Work Area/Compost Screen from view Access

16. Wildlife Area Cover Food Nesting

17. Phase II: Step 2Remove sod for new hardscape and trees Correct drainage problems Add mulch Mulch bed size- 2 feet in diameter for each inch of trunk diameter New mulch area for trees

18. Remove Sod Mark beds Sod cutter Herbicide

19. Correct Drainage Berms and Swales Rain Gardens Dry Wells

20. Step 3:Install new hardscape Soil Compaction Crushing plants New hardscape features

21. Pathways, Patios, Fences Locate underground utilities Minimize compaction Protect existing trees with barricades

22. Step 4:Install trees and mulch Mature size Screen views Energy efficiency Irrigation/Rain barrels New trees in mulch bed

23. Shape and Size Mature size and shape Variety of species

24. Screens Block views Enclosure

25. Shade House and AC

26. Energy Efficiency Control winter sun Block summer sun

27. Installation Select trees carefully Proper installation techniques Avoid volcano mulching

28. Mulch 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch Pine-bark and Pine-straw Origin and durability

29. Cisterns and Rain Barrels Irrigation for trees Locate at downspouts

30. Irrigation Temporary micro-irrigation Hand water

31. Phase III: Step 5Install Plant Bed #1 Locate first plant bed Remove portion of sod Relocate plants Add new plants Install irrigation in plant beds Front yard

32. Plant bed location Public zone Private zone

33. Plant bed size Remove ¼ to 1/3 of sod Logical boundaries Walkways, fences

34. Irrigation System Micro-irrigation In-ground Re-fit existing Hand-water

35. Re-fitting Zones = 10 Sprays or rotors in sod = 52 sprays in plant beds 2 sod zones 2 plant bed zones = 27 Sprays or rotors in sod = 17 sprays in plant beds

36. Step 6:Install Plant bed #2 Plant beds #2 and #3 are optional Location optional

37. Plant Bed #2 Plant contiguous to bed #1 for finished look Move temporary irrigation

38. Step 7:Install Plant bed #3 Backyard corner chosen for final bed Move temporary irrigation

39. Maintenance- BMP’s Fertilizer Water Compost Pest Management Mowing, pruning