Landscaping the Florida-Friendly way means using low maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices. Here are a few of the ways you can improve your home’s landscaping.

Water infrequently, deeply and thoroughly

Most lawns need about 3/4 to 1 inch of water once per week, or once every two weeks when the weather cools. Water can come from rain, or from irrigation. Infrequent but deep watering encourages deep rooting, as well as healthier and hardier plants with a greater tolerance for drought.

Water at the right time of day

Water early in the day, especially in warmer weather, when evaporation rates are lowest.

Watch your lawn instead of a schedule or calendar

Your lawn needs watering when:

• Grass blades are folded in half
• Grass blades are blue-gray
• Your footprint remains on the lawn

Too much water can hurt plants

Over-watering creates shallow roots, making plants more vulnerable to disease and pests, as well as to drought.

Drip or micro-irrigation systems save water

These systems deliver water to the root of plants, so much less is lost to the atmosphere.

Mulching

Adding mulch helps to keep water in the soil around plants. At least 2 inches is suggested around shrubs, trees, annuals and vegetable and flower gardens.

Remove Weeds; Add Native Plants

Weeds or other unwanted plants use water. Removing them means more water for the plants you want. Native plants are adapted to our rainy and dry seasons and offer habitat to area wildlife.

Install a rain sensor

This recognizes when nature brings the water your lawn needs and shuts off automatic sprinklers.

Adjust your lawnmower blades

Most lawns are healthiest when blades are 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches long. Longer blades shade the soil and keep in water.

Keep lawnmower blades sharp

Clean, sharp cuts cause less trauma to grass blades, making the grass more resistant to disease.