6 Steps to Create Water-Conserving Landscaping Fort Lauderdale, FL

While millions flock to South Florida every year to enjoy its year-round sun and hot, dry climate, this very climate also creates a huge problem in terms of maintaining landscaping. Despite being surrounded by water, South Florida has a serious water problem thanks to a fast-growing population and infrastructure, and Fort Lauderdale is no different. In fact, the city has enacted water restrictions on homeowners and businesses to limit watering lawns, and this makes it a challenge to maintain a lush, green lawn.

One solution to this problem is hiring professional landscaping in Fort Lauderdale, FL that takes into account careful planning and design, as well as soil analysis, to choose the proper plants for your space that will thrive with little intervention. Following are the steps a Fort Lauderdale lawn service company will follow to transform your property into a water-wise yet beautiful space.

1. Plan and Design

The first step an expert in lawn service in Fort Lauderdale will take is sketching your landscaping site. This will be used as a base for on-site conditions, existing topography and more, and it will assess your growing conditions and consider the intended use of the space.

2. Soil Analysis

Next, a Fort Lauderdale or Miami landscaping expert will determine your soil's composition (such as sandy or clay) and its pH, or level of alkalinity or acidity. This information will be used to determine which plants are best suited to the conditions of your lawn to minimize the need for extra water, fertilizer and pesticides. 

3. Choosing the Right Plants

Next, your landscaper will help you choose the right plants to match each area of your yard, taking into account their resistance to disease and pests, mature height and width, tolerance to cold and salt and need for shade, soil, water, sun and pH.

4. Minimize Grass

Grass is usually the biggest water user in your landscaping, but it's still important for conserving water. Grass should be added when it is functional in the design, like an area for pets or to control erosion. In areas where it's not needed, a walkway of mulch or groundcover will save water.

5. Efficient Irrigation

While planning your landscaping in Fort Lauderdale, FL, a professional will also help you come up with an efficient irrigation system by grouping plants based on water needs. Moisture-loving plants will be placed together in moist areas, while plants that like well-drained soil will be placed elsewhere. This plan will also include the right sprinkler heads for each area.

6. Proper Maintenance

The last step is maintaining the landscaping. Plants should be kept healthy by avoiding too much water or fertilizer, which promotes weak growth. Weeds should be removed by hand as soon as they appear, before they become established and crowd out plants. It's also important to keep an eye out for pests, as many can be addressed early with minimal damage. As maintenance is usually an area where homeowners and business owners have the most problems, many choose to sign up for a regular maintenance program through a local landscaping company.