Landscaping your South Florida Home

Beautiful Southern Oak Trees in Coral Gables

When it comes to landscaping in South Florida, there are some specific things that you need to know to be successful. This article covers the top landscaping issues in south Florida, rules and restrictions, and what plants are best suited for this region.

Plant stress, insects, and lawn disease are the major landscaping issues in Florida's warm, tropical climate. With improper cultivation practices and inadequate irrigation systems, plants can become easily stressed. Stress leads to weaker plants that are more susceptible to fungal growth, insect invasion, and other plant diseases. To avoid stress, make sure the plants have proper irrigation, i.e. they aren't sitting in water, have a balanced amount of fertilization, and are sprayed with a fungicide if you notice the leaves have brown spots.

Healthy plants tend to withstand insect invasions and disease, but if you are still having an insect problem, apply a spray with Neem oil, which is a natural insecticide, fungicide, and miticide. The spray must be applied repeatedly to fix the problem. Alternatively, if you see brown patches around your lawn, lawn disease may be the culprit. To avoid disease, ensure your lawn is well-maintained by watering only when necessary versus a set schedule, not cutting it too short, and hiring a professional to fertilize it.

There are landscaping rules and restrictions that you need to be aware of before starting any projects and new landscaping must adhere to the Landscaping Code. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

-All irrigation systems must have a backflow preventer installed and have rain switches, such as soil moisture sensors

-At least 30% of plants must be native to Florida

-At least 50% of plants must be low-maintenance and drought-tolerant

-A permit must be obtained to cut down any tree in Florida

Florida is broken down into different hardiness zones and knowing your zone will help you pick the best-suited vegetation for your area. The city of Miami is located in zone 10b. The most common trees planted here include the Bald Cypress, Live Oak, Queen Palm, Windmill Palm, and citrus trees. For areas with a lot of sun, you'll want to choose drought-tolerant plants: cactus, agave, yucca, and aloe vera. If you have more shade in your yard, you'll want to choose ferns, impatiens, and coleus. And finally, if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, you'll want to choose plants that can tolerate wet conditions, such as water lilies, irises, and bog plants.

Now that you know the top landscaping issues, rules, and plant choices for South Florida, you're on your way to having a beautiful, healthy landscape! Just remember to take into account the specific needs of this region when planning and planting. With a little bit of effort, you can have the yard of your dreams!