Landscaping in Central Florida...

time to get started!!!!

Landscaping in the Orlando area can be an amazing opportunity to create to create amazingly unique themes that can be taken from differnt parts of the world.  Central Florida has a rare climate that can take both tropical plants and northern plants to use on the same pallet of material.  When choosing a landscaper contractor for the Zone 9a or 9b (Central Florida) climates, make sure they are fully knowledged of seasonal fluctuations in weather.  For instance, the -28C we get from time to time...

The common type of sod for Florida is St. Augustine Floratam.  This can be purchased around the entire state and is recommend for is insect resistance and full sun loving turf. That doesn't mean you can get away without putting down insecticedes/ fertilizer/ or water!!! If you want a roadside turf, choose Pensacola or Argentine Bahia.  Don't expect great golf course like grass, though.  Drive out to any of our lovely Central Flordia expressways and pull over to inspect the turf.

TIPS ON AN AWESOME CENTRAL FLORIDA LANDSCAPE:

1.  Make sure all landscaped/sodded areas are getting excellent "Grade A" sprinkler coverage.  Is Florida a wet/humid climate? Your damn right, it's brutal....However, we have had droughts that extended 4-5 months!!! If you wait until then to fix your sprinklers, in Orlando, your too late.  Because the sod has already become weak and it can take double the time to get it healthy again.

2.  Choose ideal sod for your growing conditions.  Is there shade? Full sun? Partial? 
Lots of areas around us have very old trees.  This would included Winter Park, Conway, parts of Windermere/ Isleworth, Winter Springs....  Shade plays one of the most important factors when choosing sod.  I've seen way to many people waste money by placing sun loving grass in the shade.:(

3. Don't try and be too bold when choosing plants, if you want new ideas--hire a professional!
Landscaping in Florida is an art that is constantly evolving and learning.  Even after 10 years of studies, it seems there is so much more to learn.  Make sure to hire a designer if you want to have an exciting, updated landscape.   If you want to try yourself, just be sure and choose plants growing in your own lawn(they like it there) or something your immediate neighbors have--make sure the existing plants are well established(i,e, old!!) P.S> new ones look way better and easier to maintain.