Many cities throughout the U.S. have water restrictions. They’re designed to make the most
efficient use of the natural resource within the landscape. The South Florida Water
Management District has set forth specific days and times for watering, leading many
individuals to wonder about their landscaping. Residents can have a beautiful landscape, even
with watering restrictions.
Know the Rules
There may be exceptions for edible gardens or newly installed landscapes. Residents need to
read and understand the watering rules that apply to them.
Prioritize
Prioritize what gets watered. Plants that are drought sensitive should be watered first, along
with those that are high maintenance. Lawns will necessarily be a low priority.
Drought Resistant Plants
Consider planting species that require less water – or replacing existing plantings. That can
include grass, vines, bushes and trees. It will help conserve water and will cost far less to keep
the landscape hydrated. Native plants tend to require less water.
Mulch
Virtually any planting will benefit from mulch. It keeps soil cooler and helps in retaining
moisture. Mulch also aids in weed control
Irrigation Systems
Turn off automatic irrigation systems and only water plants when they really need it. Look for
signs of drooping leaves or leaf color changes to help determine when the plant requires water.
Many types of plants will survive droughts and low moisture if they were healthy and
established before water restrictions are in place.
Consider a drip irrigation system that uses far less water than traditional irrigation systems and
offers savings on water bills. Micro-irrigation systems may be allowed with no restrictions.
Water Reclamation
People across the nation use an estimated 7 billion gallons of clean drinking water every day for
watering plants. Consider collecting rainwater for use during a drought or having a water
reclamation system installed.

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561-779-9760

Landscaping represents a considerable monetary investment for any business. Plantings
provide a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing entry to the property for customers. Trees,
bushes and flowers add value and interest to any property. In South Florida, storms can develop
at any time, creating chaos and damage to landscaping. The good news is that there are some
precautions you can take to minimize the potential for damage before it occurs.
Create Some Distance
Trees play an integral role in any landscaping project. They provide welcome shade that can
assist in reducing cooling costs, but they need to occupy the correct locations in the landscape.
Trees are one of the primary sources of damage during a storm. Keep large species away from
buildings to minimize damage from falling trees, breaking limbs and lightning strikes. Always
consider the size of the tree when it matures. Plant bushes and smaller trees near structures.
Wind Resistance
Some tree species are more prone to disease, breakage and limb loss. You’re going to want
trees in your landscape that are resistant to wind, less likely to blow over in a storm, and lose
limbs. It helps to plant trees in groups of at least 5 to maximize wind resistance. Each tree helps
protect the others.
Pruning
Trees need regular maintenance and pruning is part of that. When young, shrubs and trees
should be pruned for optimal growth, shaping and strength. New trees should be cabled and
braced to ensure they’re growing straight and establishing a strong root system. As they
mature, weak limbs should be removed, along with any that may have become damaged. If a
tree becomes diseased, its better to remove it for safety’s sake.
Drainage
Be sure your property has proper drainage. Trees can easily topple when soil becomes
saturated. Remedy any areas of the landscape where puddling or ponding are evident.

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561-779-9760

Even though the weather may be warm in South Florida, many plantings take a break before
bursting forth for the spring season. You can help give your landscape a boost and prepare for
spring with a few simple actions. If you’re unable to perform the tasks or don’t feel comfortable
doing so, call a professional.
Irrigation
If you have an irrigation system, now is the time to have it inspected to ensure its in proper
working order, with no broken pipes or sprinkler heads. Part of the inspection should include
the timer to make sure the setting is accurate in terms of run times and duration. If you don’t
have an irrigation system, consider installing one if possible.
Mulch
Apply mulch to the appropriate areas in the landscape. It will help retain moisture, aid in
minimizing weed growth, help cool the soil, and enrich the soil as it breaks down.
Trim and Prune
Now is the time to have hedges, bushes and trees trimmed and pruned to remove diseased,
damaged or weak limbs. Doing so will promote growth, minimize the potential for broken
limbs, and improve the appearance of the entire landscape. Trimming and pruning also aids in
maintaining the shape and controlling growth of plantings. Have any diseased trees or plantings
removed.
Lawns
De-thatching and aerating a lawn isn’t something that must be done every year, but spring is the
proper time to do so if needed. It helps prevent disease, aids in creating strong root growth,
and allows nutrients to enter the soil for use by the grass. Lawns should be fertilized the second
week after new growth appears, generally in February or March.
Weeding
Physically remove any weeds that may have taken root. It’s best to pull them up by hand. Doing
so also has the benefits of getting you some fresh air and exercise.

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561-779-9760

While droughts don’t occur that often in Florida, they do happen. Weather records since 1900
shows that at least once in every decade, a severe drought develops somewhere within the
state. Even for those fortunate enough to have an irrigation system, it may not be enough to
keep lawns green as water use restrictions may go into effect.
It’s important to remember that a drought afflicted lawn isn’t necessarily a dead lawn. Grass
can survive a drought, recover, and return to its lush, green appearance. Individuals shouldn’t
be surprised if they notice an increase in weed growth.
Dead or Dormant
The first step is to look at the lawn and determine if grass is really dead or dormant. If the
entire grass blades are brown, including the tips, the grass is dead and you’ll need to start from
scratch to grow a new lawn.
Grass that easily pulls out of the ground is dead, not dormant. Grass blades that are whitish in
color where the roots and grass shoots meet or if green shoots are present, the lawn survived
the drought.
Water
Be careful not to over water following a drought. Plying the lawn with too much moisture
results in shallow roots and encourages disease, insect and weed infestations. Water may not
soak into soil easily, leading to erosion. It’s better to underwater after a drought than to
over water.
Mowing
It’s going to take some time for the grass to recover. When it’s eventually time to begin
mowing, set the mower to a higher setting. Once the lawn has fully recovered, individuals can
begin mowing at the usual height.
Aerate
Aeration allows the soil to breathe and absorb more nutrients Moisture will be absorbed
deeper into the soil, encouraging deeper root growth.
Fertilize

Be careful not to over fertilize to avoid “burning” the grass and use a slow release type that will
last for several months. Nutrients are released over time to keep grass nourished. Those
nutrients will also fuel weed growth – pull weeds out by the roots.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760