● Rake old mulch because it can become matted, preventing water and air from reaching the soil. It looks as though I now have some direction. I’ll look at the landscape contract to see if mulching is part of the services contract or an additional charge. Then I’ll reach out to the landscape contractor to let them know that the board of directors may want to consider mulch installation in the common areas. Since I’m not an expert, it might be a good idea to have a couple of board members and landscape committee members to sit down with the landscaper and me to discuss types of mulch; what is involved in the installation and maintenance of mulching the common areas; and to be prepared to provide an estimate for the board of directors to consider. Selecting plants that attract wildlife The adoption of this Florida-friendly landscaping principle serves as an acknowledgment that it is in the interest of the planet, the nation, the state, and its citizens to create a safe haven for native birds and other species of wildlife. Tourism, a vital industry in Florida, depends to a significant extent on tourists who want to experience the pleasures of seeing Florida wildlife in their natural habitat. Others simply love wildlife and the sight of a fox or squirrel on their property fills them with joy. Animal related problems, including those cited above, cannot be eliminated, but they can be effectively managed. Secured trash cans, signage alerting residents and guests to the presence of alligators, erosion prevention techniques, traps, bat houses, beehive removal, and bird spikes are some of the methods associations use to respond to such problems. Managers can consult with pest control providers about solutions to animal nuisance issues. Some residents and I even question why the association should seek to attract wildlife to the property. Shouldn’t we instead seek methods to prevent wildlife from gaining access to their properties? ● Prune selectively. Improperly pruning trees weakens their resistance to pests. ● Recognize and conserve beneficial insects that prey on pest insects such as the assassin bug, green lynx spider, ladybug, big-eyed bug, green lacewing, parasitic fly, and parasitic spider. Common pests Common plant pests include aphids, mealybugs, scales, whiteflies, thrips, plant-feeding mites, caterpillars, and chinch bugs. Evidence of pest damage will often be visible before seeing the perpetrator. Chewed or deformed leaves, sooty mold , ants on plant stems or discolored areas on leaves are evidence of a pest at work. A sample of a damaged plant and pest can be taken to the County Extension office for identification and management suggestions. Pests are omnipresent as well as the resulting plant damage. If the pests cannot be managed by beneficial insects or pruning affected parts of plants pesticides may be necessary. The most ecologically friendly types of pesticides are insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, botanicals, microbials, Kurstaki , and entomopathogenic nematodes (worms that kill insects). Broad-spectrum insecticides should never be used because they kill beneficial insects as well as pests.
Mulch is a material (like decaying leaves, bark, or compost) spread around a plant or tree. It retains water in the soil, helps control weeds, reduces storm water runoff and soil erosion, prevents certain diseases, and reduces the risk of damage from lawn maintenance equipment and can also provide nutrients to the soil. It should be applied in 2 to 3-inch-deep layers to help retain soil moisture, protect plants, and inhibit weed growth. It gives the landscape a neat, uniform appearance and a great Florida-friendly choice for hard-to-mow areas and shady spots. Mulch should be pulled back 1-2 inches from the base of plants. No more than a thin layer of 1 inch or less should be applied over the root-ball of trees for aesthetic purposes, if necessary. Types of mulch There are many types of mulches, each of which differs in cost, color, origin, durability, nutrient content, texture, and appearance: ● Cypress, melaleuca, and pine bark : Lasts longest but offers little nutrient value. ● Pine straw (needles) : Resists erosion. ● Fallen leaves and grass clippings : Cost effective because they can be raked from the landscape. High in nutrients but decomposes quickly. ● Eucalyptus : Renewable resource because it originates in Florida plantations where the trees are grown specifically to produce mulch. Guidelines for the use of mulch ● Apply in a manner to maintain a two to three-inch layer around trees, shrubs, and bedding plants. Over- mulching can bury and suffocate plants. It prevents water and oxygen from reaching the roots. ● Do not mulch to the curb, sidewalk, or water’s edge to avoid release of degraded mulch nutrients into storm drains or bodies of water. ● Avoid piling mulch against the base of a tree because it will hold moisture and contribute to rotting in the trunk. ● Keep mulch 6 to 12 inches from the trunks of trees and shrubs to prevent wood boring insects, gnawing rodents and decay. Responsible pest management Scientists currently recommend the use of a strategy known as integrated pest management (IPM) . IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long- term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices , and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment. Basic IPM principles The basic principles of IPM are as follows: ● Plant in the right locations to avoid plant stress, making them more susceptible to pests. ● Ensure that plants selected are pest-free or pest resistant. ● Use the proper amounts of water and fertilizer to keep plants healthy. ● Inspect plants frequently to detect problems early before considerable damage occurs. ● Mow to the proper height. Mowing too short weakens grass and makes it vulnerable to pests.
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