Your Bradenton landscaper has a few thoughts about the way you mapped out your property…
For as lush as Florida is, landscaping here is no piece of cake. It’s hot, sandy, salty, wet, and potentially really really windy, And also, pests love our plants as much as we do.
When you hire a professional landscaper in Bradenton, you’re certainly going to get a beautiful lawn and landscape. But the advantages of a properly designed landscape go even deeper.
As much as I love creating beautiful properties, my skills in landscaping are very plant-centric. It’s about keeping the plants healthy, first and foremost. And that starts with designing a landscape that’s not just suitable for my clients’ aesthetics; it’s suitable for the life of the plants.
When people design their own landscapes with nothing but appearance in mind, they risk plants that will die quickly, attract pests, and require loads of water and/or pruning. Here are some of the mistakes to avoid.
Using Plants that Aren’t Florida-Friendly
Just because they carry it at the lawn and garden center doesn’t mean it will thrive in your Bradenton yard.
Plants here have to be able to tolerate the heat, the rain, the bugs, and many other natural threats that you can’t control. Delicate plants that live in cooler climates are not going to last through a Florida summer.
Accidentally Planting a Monster Invasive
On the other hand, some plant species grow too well here.
A century ago, John Ringling planted Australian pines in various local spots to enhance his real estate ventures. The invasive trees took over, crowding out native plants and becoming nearly uncontrollable.
People who’ve struggled to grow plants in the past may be tempted to plant things that grow like crazy. But soon you’ll have a big hassle in controlling certain species—and then you’ll have a big mess come hurricane season, too.
Planting in the Wrong Places
We appreciate that you have a certain vision you want for your landscape. That being said, most plants can’t just go anywhere you want them.
You have to consider what the plant needs and what happens around the clock in its location.
- What kind of soil is it?
- How much sun does it get?
- Is it in a low point or high point in the yard?
- How close is it to your home or other plants?
There are a lot of plants that can go somewhere in your yard, but they need to be located accordingly.
Not Understanding Growth
We often build landscapes using plants that have not yet reached their mature size. If you don’t know how big a plant will get—both vertically and horizontally—then you’re not going to get the landscape you’re picturing. What started as a pleasant little accent could wind up growing in front of a window or intruding on your walkway.
It’s also bad for the plants if they have to compete with other plants or get pushed up against a wall.
Not Installing Irrigation
There’s a good reason irrigation design and installation are a big part of our Manatee County lawn and landscaping services. For as wet as Florida can be, you can’t have a landscape without adequate water during the dryer months.
On top of that, a reliable, well-designed irrigation system will save you loads of money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to choose Florida-friendly plants?
Because they are specifically adapted to tolerate the local heat, humidity, and pest pressures that plants from cooler climates cannot survive.
What are the risks of planting invasive species?
Invasive plants can grow out of control, crowding out native species and creating maintenance nightmares, which can also become problematic during hurricane season.
What factors should I consider when deciding where to place plants?
You should evaluate the soil type, amount of sunlight, yard elevation, and proximity to your home or other existing plants to ensure the location meets the plant’s needs.
Why does understanding a plant’s mature size matter?
If you don’t account for how big a plant will grow, it may eventually block windows, intrude on walkways, or compete with other plants and structures.
Why is an irrigation system necessary in Florida?
Despite Florida’s rainfall, an irrigation system is crucial for providing consistent water during dry months, which protects your landscape investment and can save money in the long run.
