Tampa Bay Water Blog

28Aug
Board Approves Funding for Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
Board, Water Wise, | | Return

Efficient water use inside the home and outside the home is important to stretching the region’s drinking water supplies. That’s why Tampa Bay Water’s board of directors continues funding support for the Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough county Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) program. At its August meeting, the board approved $470,561 in total funding to support FFL in its efforts to promote wise irrigation practices and proper Florida landscape designs. Improving outdoor efficiency can yield far-reaching results.

The program emphasizes designing, installing and retrofitting existing landscapes and associated irrigation systems to more Florida-friendly landscapes, which leads to increases in water use efficiency.  Homeowners and the building community can achieve Florida-friendly lawns by implementing the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles. These principles are:

  1. Right Plant, Right Place – Enjoy healthier plants and reduce work by using plants suited to your landscape conditions.
  2. Water Efficiently – To reduce water bills, pest problems and maintenance needs.
  3. Mulch – Mulch keeps moisture in the soil, helps control weeds and reduces stormwater runoff. Mulch will also improve the soil condition.
  4. Recycle – Re-use your yard waste to save money and enrich your soil.
  5. Fertilize Appropriately – This will prevent pollution and maximize plant health.
  6. Attract Wildlife – Bring your yard to life by providing water, food and shelter for birds, butterflies, bees and other creatures.
  7. Manage Yard Pests Responsibly – Create an effective defense against pests while minimizing your impact on the environment.
  8. Reduce Stormwater Runoff – Filter rain through your landscape to protect waterways and replenish the aquifer.
  9. Protect the Waterfront – Help preserve Florida’s waterways, plants and wildlife – our quality of life.

To learn more about the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program, click here.