Outside Irrigation

In addition to watering too much, people tend to water inefficiently. Failing to install a rain sensor or putting different types of irrigation heads in the same zone will make your irrigation system inefficient and waste water. One of the most common mistakes is to put shrubs and planting beds in the same zone as turf areas. By doing this, you are mixing low-water users (woody plants) with a high-water user (turf). Instead of sprinklers, plant beds gain a bigger benefit from the use of drip systems because there is less evaporation and the water gets to where the plant needs it--the roots. Following the Irrigation Restrictions is one of the easiest steps you can take to reduce your outside water use. Visit our other conservation pages to learn more.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping

Another common mistake that wastes water is failing to follow the first principle of Florida-friendly landscaping: Right Plant, Right Place. Instead of choosing plants solely on their appearance, look at the plant’s needs in regard to soil, sunlight, water, and space. Matching a plant's requirements for soil composition, shade/sunlight availability, water, etc. to the site conditions on your property will help the plant to thrive. A plant that is planted in the wrong place will be weak and stressed, which leads to over-watering and over-fertilizing in an attempt to keep the plant healthy.

By using Florida-Friendly landscaping techniques and incorporating native plants in your home landscape, you can create an attractive, low-maintenance, water-conserving yard that works with Florida’s environment instead of against it.