Best Management Practices For Landscaping

The water management system in Broward County is made up of three systems: primary, secondary and tertiary canals. As you now know, stormwater flows from your neighborhood, or tertiary system, to the secondary canal system and on to the larger primary canal system, where it is either discharged or can be stored in water reservoirs for water quality treatment and later use.

There are many ways in which our personal practices affect the quality and quantity of the water that all of us in South Florida depend on and enjoy each day. Landscape design and maintenance is one of the more significant ways. Whether we discuss habits at home, or practices used at the workplace, the opportunities for improvement are almost endless. The timing and duration of irrigation, the type of fertilizer you use, and the kinds of plants you choose for your yard can all make a difference in the health of our water system.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) for landscaping are the most effective, efficient, low cost, and simple methods you can implement to positively affect the environment.

Landscaping BMPs serve as common sense applications that will reduce the risk of surface and groundwater pollution and in many cases also improve the health and appearance of your property. These improvements make a difference not only on the environment but on your budget as well. It's true implementing these ideas may actually save you money by lowering your energy and maintenance expenses!

Some simple best management practices include:

• Practicing right plant, right place. Ensure that plant placement and selection are well - coordinated, and use native and other drought tolerant plants when possible.
• Limiting water use. Proper watering allows fertilizer to stay put and be absorbed where it's needed.
• Using minimal amounts of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that can make their way into larger waterways and, ultimately, our water supply.

If you keep these few tips in mind as you work in your yard, you will be doing your part to keep our water sources pure and plentiful.

CREATING A NATURESCAPE

Broward County encourages the use of best management practices through its NatureScape Broward program.

By following a few simple guidelines, you can create a Florida - friendly yard that conserves water, reduces stormwater pollution, and creates suitable habitat for wildlife.

Over 1,100 properties yards are certified as NatureScapes in Broward County - that's 1,100 steps further toward protecting our wetlands and coastal waters for the future.

These efforts have led Broward County to national recognition as the first County to be certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

Visit NatureScape Broward's web site for tips and information on how your yard can become a certified NatureScape.