Lawn and Garden

Florida Yards and Gardens

Patios y jardines de Florida 

Césped y jardín

Home Lawn and Landscape

Lawns and Landscapes (including Ornamental Plants)

Césped y Paisajes (incluye plantas ornamentales)

Mulches

Materiales para mulching

Pests

Plagas

If you’ve visited the Formal Garden area of our Exploration Gardens here at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County over the last few months, you’ve probably wondered to yourself… what on earth is going on out here? Whether it was the rapid decline of the lawn, the plastic covering that quickly turned into a makeshift greenhouse, or [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_13815" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13815" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/3C8DE979-1AFE-4703-95FC-6E39517B661D-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-13815 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/3C8DE979-1AFE-4703-95FC-6E39517B661D-300x225.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13815" class="wp-caption-text"> Formal Garden area pre-makeover. Photo by author.</figcaption></figure>
If you’ve visited the Formal Garden area of our Exploration Gardens here at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County over the last few months, you’ve probably wondered to yourself… what on earth is going on out here? Whether it was the rapid decline of the lawn, the plastic covering that quickly turned into a makeshift greenhouse, or the installation of a sky-blue fountain—there has certainly been a lot to take in!
In the heart of a once monotonous landscape dominated by Bermuda grass (and its persistent weedy companions), the formal garden renovation has emerged as a beacon of change! This ambitious project aimed not only to revitalize the area aesthetically, but also to embrace <a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/">Florida-Friendly Landscaping&#x2122;</a> principles, bringing forth a harmonious blend of eco-friendly plants, a living sculptural fountain, and interactive walkways.
<figure id="attachment_13817" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13817" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/IMG_5727-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-13817 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/IMG_5727-300x225.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13817" class="wp-caption-text">Formal Garden area post-makeover. Photo by author.</figcaption></figure>
The Bermuda Grass Exodus To effectively liberate this space from the clutches of Bermuda grass, a strategic approach involving various herbicides, a cover and smother application, and good old-fashioned mechanical removal, was crucial. Initial treatments included two applications of a broad-spectrum, post-emergent herbicide to the entire lawn area. Afterward, this same area was then completely covered in plastic, a crucial step to hinder the germination of any existing Bermuda grass present. This practice is also commonly referred to as soil solarization. Soil solarization aids in managing weed seeds, nematodes, diseases, and insects within the soil by elevating temperatures to levels that are fatal to many of these pests and non-conducive for weed seed germination. More information on soil solarization can be found <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in856">here</a>.
<figure id="attachment_13821" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13821" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/IMG_5730-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-13821 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/IMG_5730-225x300.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13821" class="wp-caption-text"> Living sculptural fountain. Photo by author.</figcaption></figure>
After covering the area for a period of ~6 weeks, we reluctantly accepted defeat. That is to say, the temperatures were simply not high enough for effective solarization to work. So, we proceeded with mechanical removal. This involved manually uprooting the remaining weakened Bermuda grass (and again&#8230; largely associated weeds). Once the mechanical removal was complete, long-term control of the Bermuda grass was reinforced by applying a pre-emergent herbicide. This preventive measure inhibits germination of the weed seed bank that may have been agitated during mechanical removal. Combining post-emergent treatment, cover and smother techniques, mechanical removal, and pre-emergent herbicide application is a comprehensive strategy for managing Bermuda grass and other associated turf weeds, promoting a healthier, more desirable landscape.
<figure id="attachment_13825" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13825" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/IMG_5784-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-13825 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/IMG_5784-225x300.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13825" class="wp-caption-text">Drift® roses. Photo by author.</figcaption></figure>
A Symphony of Form and Function The renovation didn&#8217;t stop at reclaiming the greenery; it extended to incorporating captivating elements that we hope will beckon visitors into a world of artistry and horticulture! Thanks to incredibly generous donations from Brantley Nurseries, Green Isle Gardens, Sieffert&#8217;s Nursery, Ameriscapes Landscape, Lukas Nursery, and Precast &amp; Gardening Depot—we were able to incorporate several native and other low-maintenance ornamental plants, including Ilex Schillings, drift roses, dwarf azaleas, Darrow&#8217;s blueberry, and Simpson’s stopper. Thanks to donations from John Madison Landscaping and Jesse&#8217;s Tree Service, walkways were laid with utility mulch from recently cleared oak trees and crushed shell, which were woven into the design, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the transformed space. Mulching has many benefits, including maintaining soil moisture and temperature and preventing soil erosion and germination of weed seeds. Incorporating pervious pavements like crushed shell or gravel allows rainwater to soak into the ground rather than running into storm drains.
<figure id="attachment_13827" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13827" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/IMG_5785-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-13827 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/IMG_5785-225x300.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13827" class="wp-caption-text">Dwarf Encore® Azaleas. Photo by author.</figcaption></figure>
The installation of a living central fountain, donated by Precast &amp; Gardening Depot, lends an enhanced sensory experience, providing a sky-blue backdrop to the vibrant colors of various ornamentals planted directly into the fountain. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this renovated formal garden stands as a testament to the feasibility of incorporating sculpture and Florida-friendly principles within homeowners&#8217; association (HOA) guidelines. We hope that the revitalization of this garden space underscores the potential for HOA-friendly landscapes to not only coexist with native and non-invasive ornamentals, but also flourish in a way that elevates the entire community!
<figure id="attachment_13829" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-13829" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/IMG_5786-scaled.jpeg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-13829 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2024/03/IMG_5786-225x300.jpeg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-13829" class="wp-caption-text">Darrow&#8217;s blueberry (native). Photo by author.</figcaption></figure>
If you, or someone you know, may be interested in displaying your sculptural artwork here, or throughout other areas of our Exploration Gardens, please reach out to me directly at<a href="mailto:hkalaman@ufl.edu"> hkalaman@ufl.edu</a>.

Formal Garden area pre-makeover. Photo by author.
If you’ve visited the Formal Garden area of our Exploration Gardens here at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County over the last few months, you’ve probably wondered to yourself… what on earth is going on out here? Whether it was the rapid decline of the lawn, the plastic covering that quickly turned into a makeshift greenhouse, or the installation of a sky-blue fountain—there has certainly been a lot to take in!
In the heart of a once monotonous landscape dominated by Bermuda grass (and its persistent weedy companions), the formal garden renovation has emerged as a beacon of change! This ambitious project aimed not only to revitalize the area aesthetically, but also to embrace Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles, bringing forth a harmonious blend of eco-friendly plants, a living sculptural fountain, and interactive walkways.
Formal Garden area post-makeover. Photo by author.
The Bermuda Grass Exodus To effectively liberate this space from the clutches of Bermuda grass, a strategic approach involving various herbicides, a cover and smother application, and good old-fashioned mechanical removal, was crucial. Initial treatments included two applications of a broad-spectrum, post-emergent herbicide to the entire lawn area. Afterward, this same area was then completely covered in plastic, a crucial step to hinder the germination of any existing Bermuda grass present. This practice is also commonly referred to as soil solarization. Soil solarization aids in managing weed seeds, nematodes, diseases, and insects within the soil by elevating temperatures to levels that are fatal to many of these pests and non-conducive for weed seed germination. More information on soil solarization can be found here.
 Living sculptural fountain. Photo by author.
After covering the area for a period of ~6 weeks, we reluctantly accepted defeat. That is to say, the temperatures were simply not high enough for effective solarization to work. So, we proceeded with mechanical removal. This involved manually uprooting the remaining weakened Bermuda grass (and again… largely associated weeds). Once the mechanical removal was complete, long-term control of the Bermuda grass was reinforced by applying a pre-emergent herbicide. This preventive measure inhibits germination of the weed seed bank that may have been agitated during mechanical removal. Combining post-emergent treatment, cover and smother techniques, mechanical removal, and pre-emergent herbicide application is a comprehensive strategy for managing Bermuda grass and other associated turf weeds, promoting a healthier, more desirable landscape.
Drift® roses. Photo by author.
A Symphony of Form and Function The renovation didn’t stop at reclaiming the greenery; it extended to incorporating captivating elements that we hope will beckon visitors into a world of artistry and horticulture! Thanks to incredibly generous donations from Brantley Nurseries, Green Isle Gardens, Sieffert’s Nursery, Ameriscapes Landscape, Lukas Nursery, and Precast & Gardening Depot—we were able to incorporate several native and other low-maintenance ornamental plants, including Ilex Schillings, drift roses, dwarf azaleas, Darrow’s blueberry, and Simpson’s stopper. Thanks to donations from John Madison Landscaping and Jesse’s Tree Service, walkways were laid with utility mulch from recently cleared oak trees and crushed shell, which were woven into the design, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the transformed space. Mulching has many benefits, including maintaining soil moisture and temperature and preventing soil erosion and germination of weed seeds. Incorporating pervious pavements like crushed shell or gravel allows rainwater to soak into the ground rather than running into storm drains.
Dwarf Encore® Azaleas. Photo by author.
The installation of a living central fountain, donated by Precast & Gardening Depot, lends an enhanced sensory experience, providing a sky-blue backdrop to the vibrant colors of various ornamentals planted directly into the fountain. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this renovated formal garden stands as a testament to the feasibility of incorporating sculpture and Florida-friendly principles within homeowners’ association (HOA) guidelines. We hope that the revitalization of this garden space underscores the potential for HOA-friendly landscapes to not only coexist with native and non-invasive ornamentals, but also flourish in a way that elevates the entire community!
Darrow’s blueberry (native). Photo by author.
If you, or someone you know, may be interested in displaying your sculptural artwork here, or throughout other areas of our Exploration Gardens, please reach out to me directly at hkalaman@ufl.edu.

If you’ve visited the Formal Garden area of our Exploration Gardens here at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County over the last few months, you’ve probably wondered to yourself… what on earth is going on out here? Whether it was the rapid decline of the lawn, the plastic covering that quickly turned into a makeshift greenhouse, or […]

A Formal Garden Renovation in Full Bloom

Is your lawn showing signs of pests? Looking to give your landscape that tropical Florida native design? Looking for new ways to mulch your garden with some composting basics? The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has you covered. Mark your calendars for the 2024 Florida-Friendly Landscaping&#x2122;: Urban Horticulture Lecture Series. [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_42051" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42051" style="width: 405px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-42051" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/01/FFL-030298-homeowner-yard-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="405" height="270" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42051" class="wp-caption-text">A homeowner spreads pine straw in her FFL yard. Courtesy Cat Wofford UF/IFAS Photography.</figcaption></figure>
Is your lawn showing signs of pests? Looking to give your landscape that tropical Florida native design? Looking for new ways to mulch your garden with some composting basics? The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has you covered.
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Florida-Friendly Landscaping&#x2122;: Urban Horticulture Lecture Series. This free virtual webinar will connect consumers with a new scientist or Extension agent each month, addressing a specific landscape and gardening topic. The yearlong program, presented by the <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/">UF/IFAS Broward Extension Office,</a> is open to residents throughout the state. The goal is to shed light on key horticulture topics supporting <a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/">Florida-Friendly Landscaping</a>&#x2122; (FFL) principals.
First up on <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ufifas-extension-lecture-series-the-basics-of-composting-tickets-796920048317?fbclid=IwAR1IYCJ9yIfNaC_2Qua8xhwuqVXspx1V62M7QfI9yIR1cowHaPj3_KOgQAQ">Feb. 13</a>, learn “The Basics of Composting” and regain moisture in your soil. <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/dr-mica-mcmillan/">Mica McMillan</a>, a soil scientist at <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu">UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center</a>, will walk participants through the basics of composting kitchen waste for use on soils on landscaping, garden beds and even vegetable gardens. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ufifas-extension-lecture-series-the-basics-of-composting-tickets-796920048317?fbclid=IwAR1IYCJ9yIfNaC_2Qua8xhwuqVXspx1V62M7QfI9yIR1cowHaPj3_KOgQAQ">Registration is required</a>. A Zoom link will be provided after registration to gain access to the live webinar.
“We aim to bring consumers the topics they want and need to adopt sustainable landscaping principals,” said Lorna Bravo, UF/IFAS Extension Broward County director and urban horticulture agent. “We have arranged a schedule that will meet the needs whether it is to improve your garden, landscaping, tree canopy and more.”
<figure id="attachment_42049" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-42049" style="width: 366px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-42049" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/01/Compst-bin-030304-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="366" height="244" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-42049" class="wp-caption-text">Composting basics take just a few simple steps that include stirring the contents in preparation for use in gardening. Courtesy Cat Wofford UF/IFAS Photography.</figcaption></figure>
Other topics and dates scheduled for the year are:
<ul>
<li>March 12 – “Be Aware of Toxic Plants” – <a href="https://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/directory/faculty/marble/">Chris Marble</a>, associate professor of ornamental landscape weed management at UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research &amp; Education Center.</li>
<li>April 9 – “Design Your Landscape with Intent” – <a href="https://clue.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/taylor-clem/">Taylor Clem</a>, horticulture Extension agent and UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County director.</li>
<li>May 14 – “Rain Harvesting” – <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/author/lbravo1/">Lorna Bravo</a>.</li>
<li>June 11 – “UF/IFAS Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program” – Lorna Bravo.</li>
<li>July – No webinar scheduled. Series is on summer break this month.</li>
<li>Aug. 13 – “After the Storm Tree Care” – <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/broward/commercial-horticulture-program-/">Michael Orfanedes</a>, commercial horticulture agent at UF/IFAS Extension Broward.</li>
<li>Sept. 10 – “Living Shorelines” – <a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/fsg-directory/dr-vincent-encomio/">Vincent Encomio</a>, Florida Sea Grant agent for St. Lucie and Martin counties.</li>
<li>Oct. 8 – “Gardening in Small Place” – Norma Samuel, Global Food Systems Institute Extension agent.</li>
<li>Nov. 12 – “Rain Gardens” – Lorna Bravo.</li>
<li>Dec. 10 – “Mulching basics and more” – Chris Marble.</li>
</ul>
For more information on other topics, contact Lorna Bravo, UF/IFAS Extension Broward director at <a href="mailto:lbravo1@ufl.edu">lbravo1@ufl.edu</a>.
###
By Lourdes Mederos (<a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>)
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
ABOUT THE FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING PROGRAM 
Florida-Friendly Landscaping&#x2122; (FFL) program promotes sustainable alternatives to “conventional” landscaping by providing guidance to homeowners and industry professionals on low-impact, environmentally friendly and science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters. Sponsored in part by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the overall goal of the FFL program is to reduce nonpoint source pollution through proper fertilization, irrigation, and pesticide use on residential and commercial landscapes. 
<a style="color: inherit;cursor: text" href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ffl.ifas.ufl.edu</a> | <a style="color: inherit;cursor: text" href="https://www.facebook.com/uf.ffl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@uf.ffl</a>

A homeowner spreads pine straw in her FFL yard. Courtesy Cat Wofford UF/IFAS Photography.
Is your lawn showing signs of pests? Looking to give your landscape that tropical Florida native design? Looking for new ways to mulch your garden with some composting basics? The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has you covered.
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Florida-Friendly Landscaping™: Urban Horticulture Lecture Series. This free virtual webinar will connect consumers with a new scientist or Extension agent each month, addressing a specific landscape and gardening topic. The yearlong program, presented by the UF/IFAS Broward Extension Office, is open to residents throughout the state. The goal is to shed light on key horticulture topics supporting Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principals.
First up on Feb. 13, learn “The Basics of Composting” and regain moisture in your soil. Mica McMillan, a soil scientist at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, will walk participants through the basics of composting kitchen waste for use on soils on landscaping, garden beds and even vegetable gardens. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be provided after registration to gain access to the live webinar.
“We aim to bring consumers the topics they want and need to adopt sustainable landscaping principals,” said Lorna Bravo, UF/IFAS Extension Broward County director and urban horticulture agent. “We have arranged a schedule that will meet the needs whether it is to improve your garden, landscaping, tree canopy and more.”
Composting basics take just a few simple steps that include stirring the contents in preparation for use in gardening. Courtesy Cat Wofford UF/IFAS Photography.
Other topics and dates scheduled for the year are:
March 12 – “Be Aware of Toxic Plants” – Chris Marble, associate professor of ornamental landscape weed management at UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center.
April 9 – “Design Your Landscape with Intent” – Taylor Clem, horticulture Extension agent and UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County director.
May 14 – “Rain Harvesting” – Lorna Bravo.
June 11 – “UF/IFAS Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program” – Lorna Bravo.
July – No webinar scheduled. Series is on summer break this month.
Aug. 13 – “After the Storm Tree Care” – Michael Orfanedes, commercial horticulture agent at UF/IFAS Extension Broward.
Sept. 10 – “Living Shorelines” – Vincent Encomio, Florida Sea Grant agent for St. Lucie and Martin counties.
Oct. 8 – “Gardening in Small Place” – Norma Samuel, Global Food Systems Institute Extension agent.
Nov. 12 – “Rain Gardens” – Lorna Bravo.
Dec. 10 – “Mulching basics and more” – Chris Marble.
For more information on other topics, contact Lorna Bravo, UF/IFAS Extension Broward director at lbravo1@ufl.edu.
###
By Lourdes Mederos (rodriguezl@ufl.edu)
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS
ABOUT THE FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING PROGRAM 
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) program promotes sustainable alternatives to “conventional” landscaping by providing guidance to homeowners and industry professionals on low-impact, environmentally friendly and science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters. Sponsored in part by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the overall goal of the FFL program is to reduce nonpoint source pollution through proper fertilization, irrigation, and pesticide use on residential and commercial landscapes. 
ffl.ifas.ufl.edu | @uf.ffl

Is your lawn showing signs of pests? Looking to give your landscape that tropical Florida native design? Looking for new ways to mulch your garden with some composting basics? The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has you covered. Mark your calendars for the 2024 Florida-Friendly Landscaping™: Urban Horticulture Lecture Series. […]

Free monthly Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ webinar offers consumers tips on lawns, gardens, composting, much more

A successful grove has a lot to do with the right kind of planning, maintenance and production. It seems insignificant at first glance, but one practice that can help set you up for success is mulching. Mulch in a tropical fruit grove is important because it: Helps reduce weed growth and reduces the need for [&#8230;]

A successful grove has a lot to do with the right kind of planning, maintenance and production. It seems insignificant at first glance, but one practice that can help set you up for success is mulching.
Mulch in a tropical fruit grove is important because it:
<ul>
<li>Helps reduce weed growth and reduces the need for herbicides</li>
<li>Retains soil moisture</li>
<li>Improves soil fertility, aeration and drainage as it decomposes</li>
<li>Increases soil biodiversity</li>
<li>Protects from extreme temperatures since there is a buffer between the soil and the air</li>
<li>Keeps the surface roots cool</li>
<li>Decreases accidental damage from mowers and trimmers</li>
</ul>
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Mulching Tropical Fruit Trees" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/itYZRuS8R7U?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
For tropical fruit trees you can cover as little as 2 and as much as 6 inches of mulch around the tree. Shredded bark, wood chips, melaleuca mulch, chopped leaves, or straw are good options. Don&#8217;t be afraid to pile it on thick, but start 8-12 inches away from the trunk and then move out to the drip line or beyond. If you mulch too close to the trunk, the roots can grow upwards and into the mulch causing stem girdling roots, which is where roots circle around the tree just below the soil surface. Mulching too heavily or too close to the trunk can also create excessive moisture and cause decay near the trunk. This can make the tree more unstable or kill it.  You can also use plastic mulch in grove management, which can be an excellent option for weed management.
Add mulch to your trees any time of the year in order to keep a general depth of about 2 &#8211; 3 inches.
To measure circular areas, like around the base of a tree, follow these steps from UF/IFAS:
<ol>
<li>Measure the distance from the center of the circle to its edge. This is the radius of the circle.</li>
<li>Multiply the radius by the radius again, then multiply the answer by 3.14. Example: 5 feet from the center to the edge X 5 feet from the center to the edge X 3.14 = 78.5 square feet to cover</li>
<li>Once you have your square footage, multiply it by the desired depth of the mulch.</li>
<li>Finally, divide that answer by 324 (the amount of mulch needed to cover one cubic yard). This answer will tell you how many cubic yards of mulch you need to cover your area. Example: (128.5 square feet to cover X 3 inches deep) divided by 324 = 1.2 cubic yards of mulch needed to cover</li>
</ol>
Give extra attention to &#8220;fresh&#8221; materials for mulch. It&#8217;s great if you are able to get a free drop off from a tree removal company or free pick up from municipality sites, but be sure there is no undesirable materials in the mix. It may be a good idea to compost that material before putting in near your trees. Bagged commercial melaleuca mulch, for example, is actually composted and heated to kill viable seeds and pathogens. &#8220;Fresh&#8221; and under composted materials may have undesirable seeds or <a href="https://apps.lucidcentral.org/pppw_v10/pdf/web_full/banana_bacterial_erwinia_wilt_214.pdf">disease in the wood that can be transferred to your plants (even though they are not a &#8220;true&#8221; tree,  bananas could be susceptible)</a>. Properly composting may help reduce your chances of any seeds or pathogens becoming an issue in the grove.
Also keep in mind, mulch can be expensive over time, so make a management plan for your grove that makes sense for you.
Resources and References:
For more information on successful grove management check out this publication: <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1387">HS1387/HS1387: Planning for a Successful Commercial Subtropical/Tropical Fruit Grove (ufl.edu)</a>
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/FR/FR05200.pdf">Landscape Mulches: How quickly do they settle? FR05200.pdf (ufl.edu)</a>
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/mg213">CIR1034/MG213: Avocado Growing in the Florida Home Landscape (ufl.edu)</a>
<a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/mulch.html">Choosing and Installing Mulches &#8211; Gardening Solutions &#8211; University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (ufl.edu)</a>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pascoco/2018/10/26/mulch-101/">Mulch 101 &#8211; UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County (ufl.edu)</a>

A successful grove has a lot to do with the right kind of planning, maintenance and production. It seems insignificant at first glance, but one practice that can help set you up for success is mulching.
Mulch in a tropical fruit grove is important because it:
Helps reduce weed growth and reduces the need for herbicides
Retains soil moisture
Improves soil fertility, aeration and drainage as it decomposes
Increases soil biodiversity
Protects from extreme temperatures since there is a buffer between the soil and the air
Keeps the surface roots cool
Decreases accidental damage from mowers and trimmers

For tropical fruit trees you can cover as little as 2 and as much as 6 inches of mulch around the tree. Shredded bark, wood chips, melaleuca mulch, chopped leaves, or straw are good options. Don’t be afraid to pile it on thick, but start 8-12 inches away from the trunk and then move out to the drip line or beyond. If you mulch too close to the trunk, the roots can grow upwards and into the mulch causing stem girdling roots, which is where roots circle around the tree just below the soil surface. Mulching too heavily or too close to the trunk can also create excessive moisture and cause decay near the trunk. This can make the tree more unstable or kill it.  You can also use plastic mulch in grove management, which can be an excellent option for weed management.
Add mulch to your trees any time of the year in order to keep a general depth of about 2 – 3 inches.
To measure circular areas, like around the base of a tree, follow these steps from UF/IFAS:
Measure the distance from the center of the circle to its edge. This is the radius of the circle.
Multiply the radius by the radius again, then multiply the answer by 3.14. Example: 5 feet from the center to the edge X 5 feet from the center to the edge X 3.14 = 78.5 square feet to cover
Once you have your square footage, multiply it by the desired depth of the mulch.
Finally, divide that answer by 324 (the amount of mulch needed to cover one cubic yard). This answer will tell you how many cubic yards of mulch you need to cover your area. Example: (128.5 square feet to cover X 3 inches deep) divided by 324 = 1.2 cubic yards of mulch needed to cover
Give extra attention to “fresh” materials for mulch. It’s great if you are able to get a free drop off from a tree removal company or free pick up from municipality sites, but be sure there is no undesirable materials in the mix. It may be a good idea to compost that material before putting in near your trees. Bagged commercial melaleuca mulch, for example, is actually composted and heated to kill viable seeds and pathogens. “Fresh” and under composted materials may have undesirable seeds or disease in the wood that can be transferred to your plants (even though they are not a “true” tree,  bananas could be susceptible). Properly composting may help reduce your chances of any seeds or pathogens becoming an issue in the grove.
Also keep in mind, mulch can be expensive over time, so make a management plan for your grove that makes sense for you.
Resources and References:
For more information on successful grove management check out this publication: HS1387/HS1387: Planning for a Successful Commercial Subtropical/Tropical Fruit Grove (ufl.edu)
Landscape Mulches: How quickly do they settle? FR05200.pdf (ufl.edu)
CIR1034/MG213: Avocado Growing in the Florida Home Landscape (ufl.edu)
Choosing and Installing Mulches – Gardening Solutions – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (ufl.edu)
Mulch 101 – UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County (ufl.edu)

A successful grove has a lot to do with the right kind of planning, maintenance and production. It seems insignificant at first glance, but one practice that can help set you up for success is mulching. Mulch in a tropical fruit grove is important because it: Helps reduce weed growth and reduces the need for […]

Mulching Tropical Fruit Trees

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Any substance spread or allowed to remain on the soil surface to conserve soil moisture and shield soil particles from the erosive forces of raindrops and runoff. - NALT
Layer of organic material (e.g. crop residues) used to cover the soil in order to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and recycle soil nutrients. - AGROVOC

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The application of scientific and technical principles in the management of natural resources, such as land, water, soil, plants and animals, in order to meet ecological, economic, social and policy objectives. [NALT]

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Complex mixture of inorganic minerals (i.e., mostly clay, silt, and sand), decaying organic matter, water, air, and living organisms.

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Good management of soils assures that mineral elements do not become deficient or toxic to plants, and that appropriate mineral&nbsp;elements enter the food chain.
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