Reading the Leaves: What Your Landscape Is Telling You

As a University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) horticulture agent based in Southwest Florida, I often encounter homeowners, Master Gardener Volunteers, and landscape professionals eager to solve problems in their landscapes. Many come to us asking, “What’s wrong with my plant?” But a more proactive question might be, “What could I be doing differently to prevent this issue?” That’s the inspiration behind our new blog series, Reading the Leaves: What Your Landscape Is Telling You. Our goal is to guide you in creating healthy, resilient landscapes by starting on the right foot—selecting the right plant for the right place and adopting sustainable practices.

A Proactive Approach to Landscape Success

Many common landscape issues in Southwest Florida—such as fungal diseases, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations—stem from simple oversights in planning and maintenance. This blog series is here to shift the focus from troubleshooting to proactive care. By selecting plants that are well-suited to your site and adopting Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles, you can avoid many of the pitfalls that lead to stressed and unhealthy landscapes.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Here are some factors to consider when creating or updating your landscape:

• Right Plant, Right Place: Consider a plant’s mature size, light requirements, soil preferences, and tolerance to drought, low-organic soils, or aerosolized salt. Planting species that are poorly suited to your site conditions can lead to ongoing issues like over-pruning, nutrient deficiencies, or susceptibility to pests and disease.
• Water Wisely: Over-watering is a common culprit in fungal outbreaks and root rot. Use micro-irrigation systems and water early in the morning to reduce moisture on foliage and conserve water.
• Soil Health: Know your soil type and nutrient levels before planting. Many Florida soils are sandy and low in organic matter, so amending soil or selecting plants adapted to local conditions is key.
• Use Native Plants: These plants are better adapted to local growing conditions, requiring less water, fertilizer, and maintenance while providing essential habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

By planning carefully and making informed decisions, you’ll save time, money, and effort while creating a vibrant and resilient outdoor space.

What’s Next?

In the coming months, we’ll explore the unique challenges of Florida landscapes, from sandy, alkaline soils and low organic matter to high winds, compact sites, and salt spray from coastal breezes. We’ll examine how these factors influence plant health and growth, offering practical guidance on selecting resilient plants suited to Southwest Florida’s conditions. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to cultivate resilient, long-lasting gardens that flourish in Florida’s distinctive climate.

Resources for further reading:

• UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: provides comprehensive guides on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, plant selection, and problem-solving.
• Florida-Friendly Landscaping^TM Program: This program offers resources to help you design and maintain a landscape that protects natural resources while reducing maintenance. Learn about the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping and how to apply them to your yard. Visit Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program.
• UF/IFAS Urban Design Resources: A collection of research-based tools and publications focusing on sustainable urban landscaping, including green infrastructure, water conservation, and urban tree care.
• Florida Native Plant Society: Dedicated to the preservation and use of Florida’s native plants, this organization provides resources on selecting and incorporating native plants into your landscape.
• UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension upcoming landscape and gardening programs and tours.

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