Reduce storm water runoff Water containing fertilizers and/or pesticides runs off land surfaces, either due to rain or over-watering, into these bodies of water, is another concern of our residents and the board of directors. This association uses a combination of swales and berms to help to reduce the rate of surface runoff. Protecting the waterfront The land along the shoreline is called the Riparian Zone and is frequently a wetland . A minimum 10-foot maintenance free buffer zone should separate landscaped areas from the waterfront to help reduce pesticide and fertilizer runoff. Freshwater shorelines often typically contain vegetation that attract native wildlife and limit erosion. Such a shoreline should contain native aquatic plants, such as soft-stem bullrush, giant bulrush, common arrowhead, pickerelweed, and maiden-cane. Invasive exotic species, such as water hyacinth, purple loosestrife, hydrilla, and water chestnut should be removed. Wetlands Wetlands provide flood protection by absorbing the force of floods from hurricanes and tropical storms, thereby lowering their impact on the immediate surroundings. Wetlands that are found near flood prone areas or along the shore help to limit soil erosion through securing the soil in place. They also reduce pollution by filtering water of nutrients and toxins from fertilizer and pesticide runoff which contributes to algae formation. Before reaching the water body, wetland plants will take many of the harmful substances into their roots and make them less toxic before they are released into the water body. The substances may also become buried in wetland soil, where bacteria and other microorganisms break them down until they become harmless. This natural method of cleansing reduces the quantity of pollution and nutrients that enter the water system. Wetlands provide a habitat for fish and wildlife, including endangered species. Most birds like geese, hawks, woodpeckers, and ducks rely on wetlands at certain periods of their lives for nesting or food. Finally, they are beneficial to the economy by providing a rich environment for commercial fisheries and tourism. Waterfront property and wetlands are often protected by local or state regulations (such as mangroves). Make sure to contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and/or local government before making any changes, such as removing vegetation or building a structure. Failure to do so can result in substantial fines. Erosion is a common problem for associations located in riparian zones. Manufactured structures, such as seawalls, rip rap , and gabions are frequently used to prevent loss of land and beach and dune sediments by wave action, tides, currents, and high winds.
Lawn pests ● Chinch bugs are one of the most serious pests, attacking St. Augustine grass. They thrive in hot and dry conditions where grass becomes more vulnerable. They can damage an entire lawn in a very short time. ● Fleas are great jumpers that actively seek out a host. They cannot survive well in the full sun. These little pests are found indoors as well as outdoors. ● Ticks . Common diseases In addition to pests, plants are subject to diseases caused by viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Each type of plant can be vulnerable to specific organisms which cause a specific disease. Diagnosing the cause of disease can be problematic. Once again, the County Extension office is a valuable source of guidance in collecting and submitting samples and recommendations on treatment. Weeds ● Broadleaf weeds : A wide array of flowery plants with netlike veins. Varieties include dollar weed, Florida pusley, dove weed, spurge, oxalis, and hawksbeard. ● Sedge weeds : Their leaves are longer than they are wide and solid triangular stems generally with a seed bulb at the top of the stem. Generally, they grow much taller than grass. Varieties include purple nut sedge, yellow nut sedge, and kyllinga sedge. ● Grassy weeds : They resemble grass and are uncontrollable. Varieties include smooth crabgrass, alexander grass, Bermuda grass, and torpedo grass. Pesticides The use of pesticides (including herbicides) is governed by F.S. 487, the Florida Pesticide Law that regulates their distribution, sale, and use. The association must ensure that pesticides are used strictly according to their labels or as directed by the EPA or the FDACS. It may lead to serious legal implications for the association if it allows unlicensed or uncertified personnel to perform pest control services. Ref: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS). Recycling landscape waste is another provision of Florida- Friendly Landscaping. Community associations can use their landscape waste to save money and enrich their soil. When mowing, the clippings should be left on the lawn where they will decompose and provide nutrients for the soil. Clippings can also be used as mulch or compost. After pruning shrubs and other small plants the cuttings can be shredded and used for compost, mulch, or just left to decompose.
PART 4: LANDSCAPE CONTRACTS, CAM’S ROLE, GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, AND LANDSCAPE PROJECTS
As the CAM, I have no ultimate authority over the contracts that the association’s board of directors enter into. However, I enjoy a healthy professional relationship with the association, and they often include me in their decision-making discussions.
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Book Code: CAMFL1526
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