Last Updated on April 24, 2026 by Stella Canfield

As part of the Water Wednesday webinar series, Tom Wickman, Assistant Director of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping^TM Program, shared practical guidance on how Florida residents can design and maintain landscapes that work with the state’s environment, not against it. This session focused on helping new residents understand how landscaping choices affect water use and water quality across Florida.

What Is Florida-Friendly Landscaping?

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Program was established in 1993 and is supported by Florida law. It promotes landscapes that:

• Conserve water
• Protect natural resources
• Thrive in local conditions

This matters in Florida, where population growth and environmental pressures continue to increase. Much of our drinking water comes from the Floridan Aquifer, and many springs and water bodies are sensitive to pollution.

Outdoor irrigation is also a major factor. In many homes, as much as 60% of water use happens in the landscape, making yard practices an important part of water conservation. To learn more about Florida’s water, please visit Water Wednesday Recap: Where Your Water Comes From and How to Use It Wisely.

The 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping

The FFL program is built on nine science-based principles:

1. Right Plant, Right Place
   Choose plants suited to your site’s soil, light, and moisture.
2. Water Efficiently
   Water only when needed. Many established plants require little to no irrigation.
3. Fertilize Appropriately
   Apply fertilizer only when needed and follow local regulations.
4. Mulch
   Use 2-3 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Pine bark and leaves are good options.
5. Attract Wildlife
   Support pollinators and other wildlife by providing food, water, and shelter.
6. Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
   Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Identify pests before taking action.
7. Recycle Yard Waste
   Leave grass clippings and compost yard materials to return nutrients to the soil.
8. Reduce Stormwater Runoff
   Keep rainwater on your property using features like rain barrels or permeable surfaces.
9. Protect the Waterfront
   Maintain a 10-25 foot low-maintenance zone near water bodies to help filter pollutants.

Designing and Maintaining Your Landscape

Florida landscapes require a different approach than other regions. Key takeaways included:

• Plan ahead: Think about long-term changes like adding a pool or patio before planting trees
• Choose adapted plants: Many northern plants, such as lilacs or tulips, do not perform well in Florida
• Use turf wisely: Limit grass to functional areas and expand planting beds where possible
• Prune properly: Avoid removing green palm fronds and do not remove more than one-third of a plant at once

Hiring Landscape Professionals

If hiring help, look for trained professionals. One important certification is the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP), which is required for commercial fertilizer applicators in Florida. Other helpful credentials include certified arborists and Florida-Friendly Landscaping Certified Professionals.

Highlights from the Q&A

Can oak leaves be used as mulch?

Small live oak leaves can be used as is. Larger leaves should be shredded to prevent matting and allow water to reach the soil.

What does a soil test tell you?

Basic soil tests measure pH, which affects how plants take up nutrients. More detailed tests may include phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter.

Why isn’t nitrogen included in soil tests?

Nitrogen moves quickly through soil, so test results may not reflect actual conditions by the time you receive them. Visit Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ in a Minute to learn more about soil testing.

Watch the Recording

If you missed the webinar or would like to revisit the content, you can watch the full recording here.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Designing a Yard for Florida Conditions

Join Us for the Next Webinar: Stormwater 101

The next session in the series will be held on May 20, Stormwater 101: Understanding Drainage, Ponds, and How Florida Manages Rainwater. This webinar will focus on drainage design, runoff, homeowner responsibilities, common misconceptions, and practices that improve stormwater function and reduce flooding. Register via Zoom.

Whether you are new to Florida or have lived here for years, this webinar will provide a helpful overview of how Florida’s water resources work. More information please visit UF/IFAS Extension Water Resources Program.

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