9. PROTECTING THE WATERFRONT

If your property is situated on a lake, canal or beachfront, the vegetation that you plant close to the water can greatly reduce pollutants from entering the waterway while providing important habitat for wildlife.

Mean High Water Line: Most shoreline property ends at the Mean High Water Line. This line may vary in different parts of Florida; however it is important to know that anything you do that affects the land water ward of this line requires permission from the State. (Florida Department of Environmental Protection FDEP) http://www.dep.state.fl.us/mainpage/em/beach.htm

Mangroves: If you have mangroves growing on your property it is important to know that there are regulations covering their trimming. It is advisable to contact the FDEP, as these regulations are frequently up-dated. Mangroves play an important role in Florida ecosystems, providing crucial habitat for juvenile fish, shellfish, birds and mammals as well as protecting the uplands from powerful storm surges.

Buffer Zone: Also called the Littoral zone; this is the space between high and low tide in a coastal area, or between your yard and the shoreline of a freshwater body. It is important to create a buffer zone of approximately 10’ to 20’ where no pesticides are applied. Low maintenance plants and shrubs should be planted here and beds should be well mulched to prevent soil erosion. Many coastal properties have seawalls placed in this zone. To restore a natural shoreline it is advisable to contact your local Florida Sea Grant Marine Extension Agent who can provide you with further information.

ittoral Plants: Plants that are associated with shallow water, can be submerged in water for short periods of time, or grow close to the seashore are referred to as littoral plants. There is an extensive list of these plants at:http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/photos.html

Right Plant, Right Place Important to the success of a Florida-friendly yard is planting the right plant, in the right place. For example, group plants that require more sunlight together.


Water Efficiency Planting Florida-friendly plants helps to conserving precious water resources. There are some other innovative ways in which we can help to conserve and reuse the water that falls in our yard!


Fertilize Appropriately Pollution from fertilizers and pesticides in storm water run off from yards, contributes to excessive levels of nitrogen and phosphates in our waterways, often resulting in harmful algal blooms.


Mulch Mulch is natural organic material that is laid down in your yard to help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing. It’s decomposition helps to greatly enrich topsoil.


Attracting Wildlife Many of Florida’s birds and butterflies are intricately connected to the native flora. Including Florida native plants in your yard will most definitely attract them to come and visit!


Managing Pesticides Responsibly While there are some plants that are difficult to manage without pesticides and herbicides, most Florida native plants do not need applications of either.


Recycle Much of what is in our yard can be recycled and put to good use! Here is an innovative way in which to use up branches from a nuisance exotic tree.



Storm Water Runoff Tropical summer rains produce torrents of water that flow through urban neighborhoods absorbing chemicals from yards and driveways along the way. This toxic runoff pollutes all waterways, and needs to be reduced.


Protect the Waterfront Many homes in Florida are situated on a lake, canal, wetland or the ocean. Certain kinds of vegetation can help to minimize the effects of storm water runoff while providing important habitat for birds and small aquatic animals.


Benefits of a Florida-friendly Yard There are numerous benefits to planting Florida-friendly plants in your yard, from saving money to minimizing the amount of time spent on maintenance; not to mention the beauty of the birds and butterflies that come to visit!