UF/IFAS
Okeechobee County Extension Service
458 Highway 98 North
Okeechobee, FL 34972-2578
Phone: (863) 763-6469
E- mail: dfculbert@ifas.ufl.edu
August 29, 2007
| Quick Links: 9 Principles Workshops Questionnaire Survey Results |
Feature Article - for release the week of September 2, 2007
Angela Sachson and Dan Culbert – Okeechobee Extension Staff
OKEECHOBEE IS FLORIDA FRIENDLY!
The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program seeks to reduce non source-point pollution. Through the local Extension Service, homeowners are being encouraged to follow Florida Friendly principles that can help keep our Lake clean.
A couple of months ago, we sent out a survey to Okeechobee residents to learn about how they are caring for their landscapes. About a thousand homes in the southwestern part of the City were contacted, and more than a hundred were returned – about a 12 percent response rate.
Based on the answers we received, we have an idea of what is already being done or not being done. This will help our office target topics for upcoming workshops and activities. We were pleased to learn that the people who responded were pretty good stewards of their landscapes. Today’s column sums up some of what we learned about how friendly our Yards are.
1. Right plant, right place. Just over half of the surveyed yard owners grow their plants in groups according to their watering needs. Eighty-five percent have natural and low-maintenance areas in the landscape. And nearly two-thirds water their flower beds separately from lawn. That is important because most plant beds need much less water than does thirsty turfgrass.
2. Water Efficiently. Almost half of the respondents said that their lawns are watered by rainfall only. And for the rest who do irrigate their yards, nearly all will adjust how much they sprinkle based on rainfall amounts. Two-thirds of those who do irrigate don’t really know how much water they are putting down. The recommended amount per application is ½ to ¾ inch per application. Just put some flat can cans out on your lawn next time you water and measure how long it takes to get that right amount of water.
3. Fertilize Appropriately. Lawn fertilizer is not used at all by a third of those responding. . Of those who do fertilize, most do use slow-release fertilizer (recommended), but are not always sure how much to use. We are presenting a turf-taming workshop on September 10 and you can learn how to figure that out!
4. Mulch. Mulch is applied 2-3 inches deep by more than two-thirds of y’all. And nearly 90 percent let grass clippings stay where they fall – this provides nitrogen to their lawns grass. Yeah!!
5. Attract Wildlife. Three-fourths of the respondents said they feed wildlife – they have planted berry-producing plants or installed feeding stations. Cover or nesting sites are provided by even more of these property owners. Water for wildlife is available at just over half of these yards. Sounds like we need a few more birdbaths: A plant saucer or an upside garbage-can lid will do. Remember that bird baths should be dumped out periodically to keep mosquitos from breeding.
6. Manage Pests Responsibly. The vast majority (about 90 percent) of these landscapes are monitored for problems, and pests are treated only when problems are confirmed. And when pest management is needed, spot treatments are used using the least harmful product available. Okeechobee shines in this area!
7. Reduce Stormwater Runoff. A large majority (80%) of respondents reported having downspouts that drain into the yard rather than on to impervious surfaces (like concrete or asphalt.). More than half (59%) have low areas that catch and hold stormwater. Great! All we need now is a little more rain.
8. Recycle Yard Waste. Yard trimmings are recycled in three-quarters of yards represented and clippings are left on the lawn most of the time. Unfortunately, the lawns tend to be mowed too short: ninety percent mow to a height less than 3 inches.
9. Protect the Waterfront. Since there were no responses to these questions, we will not be focusing on ideas for folks living directly on canals and lakes. But if you do live on the water, we can suggest things you need to do to be Florida Friendly.
In general, Okeechobee residents describe themselves as landscaping in a Florida-friendly manner. They appear conscious of the need to conserve water, do not seem to over-fertilize or to over use pesticides. They recycle yard waste, make some provision for wildlife and keep storm runoff off the driveway and sidewalks.
If you are already doing this stuff, why not be proud about it and have your Yard recognized as Florida Friendly. Call our office or visit out website to learn about the FYN Yard recognition program.
After looking at these results, we decided to present some seminars and workshops on subjects that can be of benefit and interest. The next workshop is on turf management and will be held at the Okeechobee Extension office next Monday afternoon, September 10, at 5:30 PM. It is a hands-on experience about watering, fertilizing, mowing and weeding. Other workshops will come up as we fall into the winter!
We’ve placed more information on our Okeechobee web page, http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu. If you need additional information on Florida Friendly Landscaping, please email us at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu or call us at 863-763-6469. Local residents can stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98 North in Okeechobee, and visit our Okeechobee County Master Gardeners from 1 to 3 PM on Tuesday afternoons. GO GATORS!
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Trade names, where used, are given for the purpose of providing specific information. They do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of products named, nor does it imply criticism of products not named. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS / University of Florida. Larry A. Arrington, Dean. Last update: 08/30/2007. This page is maintained by Dan Culbert
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