[Step 1 Get to Know Your Yard][Step 2 Get the Water Right][Step 3 Right Plant,Right Place][Step 4 Designing for Wildlife][Step 5 Pest Management][Step 6 Reducing Stormwater Runoff]

Step 1 Get to Know Your Yard

Site Analysis

Creating a Florida-friendly landscape is simple - but first you need to get to know your yard. Step back, look around and take inventory of your landscape. Now is the time to learn about your soil, drainage patterns, and the sunny and shady areas on your property. Knowing these facts will make it easier to determine which plants will work best in your landscape. When you evaluate your site, remember that characteristics may differ depending on the location, time of day and season.

One way to evaluate your yard is to divide the area into sections and take note of the individual characteristics. It's also a good idea to do this at different times during the day - just to see what changes. Once you have finished, you will be able to design your NatureScape so that it works with the environment and not against it. For example, the live oak in your yard will shade some areas during summer but not in winter. For more information on site analysis, click here (page 14).

Soil Types

In much of Florida, soil and sand are almost synonymous. Because sand allows for rapid drainage of water and nutrients, sandy Florida soils dry out quickly. Plants that have high water and nutritional requirements don't do well in our sandy soil. Other kinds of Florida soils include loam and clay; each having different characteristics that fit different plant needs. For more information about soil types, click here (page 15).

pH

The pH (acidity/alkalinity) of a property's soils will also determine what plants are best suited for your yard. This isn't complicated, but it is important to understand. In general, sandy coastal areas are usually alkaline (high pH). Varying levels of pH on the same property are also very common. Over time, features such as concrete slab foundations, brick, mortar, plaster and other materials can affect soil pH, because they leach alkaline compounds into the surrounding soils. You can test your soil with a purchased kit or have it tested at the County Extension office.

Depending on the soil pH, some plants will grow better than others. The soil found in Broward County is generally higher in pH - meaning that the soil can prevent nutrients such as manganese from being available to plants. A poor pH match between plant and soil may cause nutrient deficiencies that result in yellowed leaves, slow growth and lack of blooms. In areas of new construction, the fill brought in can be even higher in pH with little or no organic matter. Soil like this poses many challenges in the establishment or choice of plants. You can test your soil with a purchased kit or have it tested at the County Extension office. To find out how to modify pH of soils with composting, click here (page 49).

Drainage

Now that you've gotten your hands dirty getting to know your soil, step back and take a look at how water drains from your property. Drainage is another key factor to getting the most out of your hard work - and giving your NatureScape the best chance to thrive. As we discussed earlier, Florida soil is generally sandy, so it drains quickly. However, some building sites have been filled with mucky soils that retain water and drain slowly. What happens in your yard after a hard rain?

Understanding the way water drains from your yard will help you determine the right plant for the right place. Note that the low-lying areas on your property collect water naturally. If you choose not to build up low spots that have slow drainage, you can use those areas to your advantage by planting water-loving wetland plants or cypress trees there. Of course, these plantings should not interfere with swales. Swales, berms and retention areas play a key role in collecting, directing, and filtering stormwater runoff. These features work together to protect property and neighborhoods from flooding. To find out how our region's drainage systems function, click here.

Sunlight and Energy Efficiency

As you continue to get to know your yard, look around for your shadow. The patterns of sun and shade in your yard affect where plants will grow best. Shading by trees can also play a big part in shrinking your energy bill. A Florida-friendly yard conserves resources using common sense - some of these tips may help you save some money:

• Use trees to shade the east and west sides of buildings and A/C units.
• Identify the north, south, east and west points in your landscape, then draw a representative diagram. Show buildings, trees, shrubs and groundcover on your property and indicate the sunny and shady areas. Consider that areas full of sun in summer may have full or partial shade in winter. The location of a tree or shrub on your property or your neighbor's affects shade patterns and movement of air currents. Appropriate tree and shrub placement can greatly improve your home or building's heating/cooling capacity. Outdoor compressors and air conditioning systems use less energy when they are shaded from direct sunlight. It is estimated that tree shade can reduce air conditioning costs by 50 percent.
• Deciduous shade trees planted on the south side of the house will shade in summer and let warming light in during the winter.
• "Heat load" refers to the amount of heat collected and radiated on concrete areas such as patios, driveways and sidewalks. Think about how you can minimize heat loads with properly placed trees.
• Very important: don't overlook the obvious! When developing your landscape design, consider the mature size of trees and shrubs, as well as the location relative to nearby structures. Remember to include underground and overhead utilities.

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