The tropical allure of Florida’s natural landscape has attracted residents from across the United States and even beyond. Our warm climate gives you vast array of options when designing a lawn, garden, and outdoor living space. Yet if you expect to wing it, think again! It takes careful planning and a keen awareness of what does and doesn’t thrive here in order to create a beautiful, lasting landscape.
Consider these helpful tips before getting started:
Planning a Florida Landscape
Before you start shopping, sit down and establish a theme and pallet that will compliment your home. If you aren’t sure where to start, browse these popular landscape design styles for inspiration.
Remember, a landscape is more than just plants and paint. There’s décor to select, materials to enhance vegetation and create walkways, and fabrics to accent your pallet. Try to find a synergetic combination.
When selecting trees and plants, you’ll want to take the time to consider each one’s life span and needs. Florida Yards has an easy, interactive plant database that can help you identify several Florida-friendly plant types to choose from, including:
- Flowers
- Shrubs
- Trees
- Palms
- Groundcovers
- Vines
- Grasses
Make sure that the plants you choose couple well together if you intend to plant them close together.
Florida Landscaping Tips
Now that you have an idea of what you want, it’s time to start mapping out your landscape design! But where do you start? Here are a few useful tips to help guide you along:
- Know Your Upkeep. The work doesn’t end once you have your magnificent landscape is in place. Know what it will take to maintain it. If you aren’t willing to put in the work to manage your lawn, garden, or outdoor area, then consider hiring a professional team to do it for you or find an alternative that requires minimal attention.
- Always Plant Trees a Safe Distance From Your Home. It’s late in the evening. A storm is rumbling outside. As you settle onto the couch, ready to watch a good movie, the last thing you want to hear is a branch crashing through your roof. Prevent disaster by always planting trees 20-50 feet away from your home.
- Avoid Non-Native Species. Just because they look pretty doesn’t mean you should plant them. Invasive species aren’t native to the area, which means their needs are likely quite different than the ones provided in our current climate. This could mean high maintenance and a low success rate for you, which is why it’s best to avoid them completely.
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew. You never want to take on a project that is beyond your expertise or require more time than you’re willing to invest. If you need to hire a professional, do so.
Landscaping Professionals in Southwest Florida
If you’re seeking a landscaping professional in Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs, or Estero, then give Blue Landscaping and Contracting Group a call. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business, we can help you plan, install, and maintain beautiful landscapes all year around.