Irrigation of lawns and landscaping in the City of Miami Beach represents one of the largest uses of water. The Florida Friendly Landscaping Program, spearheaded by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF - IFAS), helps residents protect natural resources and preserve their community’s unique beauty.
Learn to protect the environment you live in by implementing these Nine Principles of the Florida Friendly Landscaping Program:
- Right Plant, Right Place – Select plants that are well suited to receiving minimal amounts of water, fertilizers, and pesticides.
- Water Efficiently – Irrigate your lawn only when needed.
- Fertilize Appropriately – Use fertilizers less often. Putting lots of fertilizer can be harmful to your yard and the environment.
- Mulch – Be sure to maintain at least 2-3 inches of mulch. Mulch will help retain the important ingredients for a healthy yard.
- Attract Wildlife – Plants that provide food, water, and shelter can help conserve Florida’s wildlife.
- Manage Yard Pests Responsibly – Be sure to use pesticides responsibly. Unwise use of pesticides can harm those around you.
- Recycle – Grass clippings, leaves and yard trimmings that are composted and recycled on site provide nutrients to the soil and reduce waste disposal.
- Reduce Stormwater Runoff – Runoff water carries many things with it such as fertilizer and pollutants that can affect water quality.
- Protect the Waterfront – Waterfront property (pond, bay, or beach) should be carefully protected to help maintain the marine ecosystem.
For information, please visit Florida Friendly Landscaping: The Smart Way to Grow
Additional links: Florida-Friendly Guide
This resolution provides landscaping guidelines, including the use of Florida Native Species and proper guidelines for redeveloping parks and City-owned land. In addition to the resolution, City departments updated landscape specifications used in the Public Works Manual and sustainable procurement specifications.
Xeriscape is landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment. Xeriscaping encourages the use of low-maintenance plants such as native species and environmentally sustainable practices such as the minimization or elimination of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. In addition to helping conserve water resources, xeriscape landscaping practices reduce the number of pollutants reaching Biscayne Bay and surrounding waterbodies. Find out more at South Florida Water Management District.
Grass clippings, leaves and yard trimmings composted and recycled on site provide nutrients to the soil and reduce waste disposal.
In 2018, the Mayor and City Commission adopted resolution 2018-30484 to affirmatively protect the public health and the well-being of its employees and contractors by eliminating the risks associated with Roundup, and all such similar herbicide products that contain glyphosate, as well as eliminating any potential for liability associated with the use of such products.
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