The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program takes a science-based approach in advocating for healthy, properly managed turfgrass.
The first principle of FFL is Right Plant, Right Place, and that principle applies to turfgrass just as much as trees, shrubs, and flowers. Turf should be planted where it provides functional benefits and where it can thrive with minimal inputs. Areas that receive heavy foot traffic, serve as play spaces for children and pets, or help stabilize soil are excellent locations for turfgrass. However, narrow strips between sidewalks and driveways, deeply shaded areas, steep slopes, or spaces that are difficult to irrigate often require excessive maintenance and are better suited for groundcovers, shrubs, or mulched landscape beds.
When appropriately located, turfgrass offers numerous environmental benefits. A healthy lawn helps reduce soil erosion, filters stormwater runoff before it reaches Florida’s waterways, traps dust and pollutants, cools surrounding temperatures, and provides a soft, safe surface for recreation. Turf also plays an important role in protecting soil structure and can improve the overall appearance and value of a property.
By reducing turf in areas where it serves little purpose, homeowners can save time, conserve water, decrease maintenance costs, and create more diverse habitats for pollinators and wildlife.
Selecting the right turf species is equally important. In Southwest Florida, warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, Bahia grass, and Bermuda grass each have unique strengths and limitations. Choosing a variety that matches your site’s sunlight, soil conditions, and intended use is the first step toward a resilient lawn.
Other considerations include artificial turfgrass. Artificial turf may be appropriate for certain specialized applications, such as small recreational spaces, putting greens, or areas where living grass cannot reasonably be maintained. However, it should not be viewed as a universal substitute for living landscapes. A truly Florida-Friendly landscape conserves water, supports wildlife, protects water quality, and uses living plants whenever practical.
Proper maintenance is what transforms a lawn into a Florida-Friendly lawn. Follow these best management practices:
- Water only when the lawn shows signs of drought stress, following local irrigation restrictions.
- Mow at the recommended height for your turf species and never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade at one time.
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn to recycle nutrients naturally.
- Fertilize according to UF/IFAS recommendations and local fertilizer ordinances. Adhere to blackout dates (June 1st– September 30th).
- Control pests through Integrated Pest Management (IPM), treating only when necessary rather than applying pesticides routinely.
Remember that turfgrass is just one piece of a healthy Florida landscape. Combining appropriately sized lawn areas with native and Florida-Friendly trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers creates a landscape that is attractive, resilient, and environmentally responsible.
Resources:
Hort–18-Turf-Alternatives.pdf
ENH04/LH005: Selecting a Turfgrass for Florida Lawns
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