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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Environmental Advisory Committee_Tab 06_3/11/2020Agenda Item #6. Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) STAFF MEMO Meeting: Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) - Mar 11 2020 Staff Contact: Thomas Bradford, EAC Chair Department: Environmental Advisory Committee Proposal for Florida -Friendly Landscape Outreach Program and Advance Communication of Program with Tequesta HOAs Proposal for Florida -Friendly Landscape Outreach Program and Advance Communication of Program with Tequesta HOAs EAC FFL Letter to VOT HOAs Q&A 2009 FFL Legislation Page 47 of 69 Agenda Item #6. memo Village of Tequesta Environmental Advisory Committee To: Environmental Advisory Committee Members From: Thomas G. Bradford, Chair CC: llate: March 4, 2020 Re: Proposal for Florida -Friendly Landscape Outreach Program and Advance Communication of Program with Tequesta HOAs I have been giving some thought on how the EAC can jumpstart a Florida -Friendly Landscaping (FFL) outreach program and came up with the following: 1. Using the condominium HOA mailing list compiled by EAC member Frank Harding and a HOA a mailing list that I compiled, the EAC will send an introductory letter to each known member of every HOA and condominium association located within the Village of Tequesta. This letter would indicate that the EAC is about to embark on a mass communication plan encouraging our citizens to consider implementation of FFL within their properties for the known environmental benefits associated therewith. This letter would provide them links to important information about FFL as well as a hard copy of the document entitled "Questions and Answers: 2009 Florida -Friendly Landscaping Legislation." This document tells HOA board members information about FFL from an HOA need to know basis. A copy of this document is provided with your back up information. Our letter to the HOA board members would inform them that we will also be providing information to our residents in regard to strategies for working with their homeowner associations to convert to an FFL yard. A copy of a draft letter in this regard is attached for your review. In essence, we will be giving the HOAs a heads up on what is coming down the pike so that they, our community partners, are prepared for requests for FFL yards and how their HOA will react. 2. Subsequently, the EAC will develop a mass communications plan utilizing every communication medium available to us to periodically tell our residents about the many benefits of FFL, along with many other environmental issues. There are a number of logistical issues to be discussed in order to determine if and how we move forward, but we need to move forward because one can conclude an inordinate Page 48 of 69 Agenda Item #6. amount of precious water is being consumed by traditional landscaping, over fertilization and over use of pesticides all to the detriment of people's budgets, health and our environment. We can discus all of this at the EAC meeting on March11. Page 49 of 69 Agenda Item #6. VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE March xx, 2020 Ms. Susan Q. Public Director XYZ HOA 123 Main Street Tequesta, FL 33469 Re: Florida -Friendly Landscaping (FFL) and Your Homeowner's Association (HOA) Dear Ms. Public: As a Board member of a HOA, whether it be for a single-family home subdivision or a condominium you likely know, HOAs were established to protect property values by controlling standards and the appearance of homes and the landscape of front yards and common areas. The Community Associations Institute estimates that over sixty million people now live in neighborhoods governed by HOAs. By regulating types of plants and amount of turf, HOA boards are responsible for the environmental health and function of large areas of green space and they exert significant influence on aesthetic preferences and cultural landscape norms for neighborhoods and condominiums. In some cases, aesthetics is emphasized over environmental health in landscape regulations. Although the principles of Florida -Friendly LandscapingTM (FFL) emphasize environmental health of the landscape, with careful design a Florida -friendly landscape can also be visually appealing and "fit" with the desired neighborhood and condominium landscape look. Many homeowners are beginning to rethink their landscapes for several reasons, including mandated water and fertilizer restrictions, the increasing costs of high -maintenance landscapes, and a growing concern for environmental impact, particularly to our water bodies. Landscape improvements include reducing the amount of turf in front and back yards, replacing high -water - demand plants with drought tolerant plants and creating bird and butterfly gardens. However, HOA regulations can make it difficult to implement some changes by mandating types of plants, percentages of turf and plant material and location of plant materials. More environmentally sound landscapes are possible with careful planning and design and by using an educated and knowledgeable approach to working with the HOA board to gain approval for a new landscape. The Tequesta Village Council created the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) in 2019 for the purpose of developing recommendations for best practices, fostering community partnerships, and policies relative to sustaining and improving the environment of the Village of Tequesta. In that vein, we are writing to you today to provide you with important information regarding the Florida -Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Program and to let you know that in the coming weeks and months the EAC will be using all available mass communications mediums available to recommendations about the numerous benefits to the environment by implementing FFL designs Page 50 of 69 Agenda Item #6. and practices. This will include information on strategies for working with one's HOA to convert to an FFL yard. Because this communications initiative may result in numerous property owners making inquiries and applications to your HOA Board, we felt that it was important to let you know this in advance of our initiative and for us to provide you with basic information on what one may expect and how to access numerous resources on the FFL subject, including FFL model covenants, conditions, and restrictions for new and existing HOAs, as follows. Attached with this letter is a document entitled Questions and Answers: 2009 Florida -Friendly Landscaping Legislation for you reference. It has many website addresses for you to secure numerous FFL resources. The home page link to the FFL Program of the University of Florida is: https:Hffl.ifas.ufl.edu/index.html Here you have access to a myriad of related information. Lastly, below is the link to the site where one can learn the steps for converting a traditional development landscape to a FFL yard: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP39600.pdf Each of us is a steward of the world in which we live. It is incumbent upon us to conserve and protect our natural resources for the benefit of all and for the generations that follow. Our stewardship begins at home here in Tequesta by creating a sustainable environment where water is conserved, over fertilization avoided and our surrounding water bodies and marine life is enhanced and protected. It is our fervent hope to work in partnership with you and your HOA for this and other environmental initiatives to come in order to make our home resilient and sustainable. Sincerely, The Tequesta Environmental Advisory Committee Members Page 51 of 69 Agenda Item #6. IFAS Extension ENH1179 uhm, EICSM vP FLORItki Questions and Answers: 2009 Florida -Friendly Landscaping` Legislation' Esen Momol, JaneTolbert, Marina D'Abreau,Terril Nell, Gail Hansen, Gary Knox, Michael Thomas, Kristine Jones, Jim Spratt, Claire Lewis, and Kathy Malone Introduction: What is Florida -Friendly Landscaping'°? Legislative Definition Florida -Friendly Landscaping Program Summary Definition The Look of a Florida -Friendly Landscape Questions and Answers: Homeowners' Association Review Boards and Fla. Stat. § 373.185, et seq, (2009 Senate Bill 2080) Aesthetics and Florida -Friendly Landscaping' • Community Look • Rocks, Artificial Turfgrass, and Rubber Mulch Ponds and Easements Plants and Turfgrass Resources for Florida -Friendly Landscaping' Introduction: What is Florida - Friendly Landscaping'? Florida's increasing urbanization, coastal development, and population growth continue to tax water resources. Per capita water use ranges from 124 to 150 gallons per day with more than 50% of residential water used outside. (See http!llabe-u..fl.ediL�mdukcslpdf/irrigation-efficiencylHaiey- FL-res:dential-i rig-jlD,pdf for details of a limited -scope study.) Homeowners' association (HDA) covenants governing Landscape design and maintenance can have a significant, adverse impact on the environment, but by encouraging the transformation of conventional landscapes to Florida - Friendly landscapes, HOAs and homeowners can conserve water, protect the environment, and allow a wide range of aesthetic choices. • Plants OF/IFAS offers numerous resources —such as model Turfgrass Florida -Friendly covenants, conditions, and restrictions —to • Maintenance 1. This document is ENH1179, one of series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UFIIFAS Extension. Criglnal publication date Marcie 2011. Revised February 2014. Reviewed March 2017. Visit the EDIS website at httpJledisJfas.ufl.edu. 2. Esen Momel, director, Florida -Friendly Landscaping' Program; JaneTolloert, former senior information specialist, Florida -Friendly Landscaping"` Program; Marina D'Abreau, former environmental horticulture Extension agent, UFI€FA5 Extension Hillsborough County;Terrtl Nell, professor emeritus and former chair, Environmental Horticulture Department; Gail Hansen, assistant professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; Gary Knox, professor, UFI€FAS North Florida REC; Michael Thomas, technical manager, NPSM, Florida Department of Environmental Protection; Kristine Jones, administrator, NPSM, Florida Department of Environmental Protection; Jim Spratt, Florida Nurserymen, Growers, and Landscape Association; Claire Lewis, state FFLlbuilderldeveloper coordinator; and Kathy Malone, volunteer FFUl ruilderldeveloper coordinator; JF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32511- The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS1 Is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorizers to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disab€lity, sex, sexual orientation, rrivrtaI status, national origin, potitical opinions or affiliations. Form ore information on obtaining other UFIIFA5 1=ension publications, contacryour county's UF1irA5 baenslon offce. US_ Department of Agriculture, UrAFAS Extension Service, University of FlorEda, FAS, Florida A & M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Corrmissioner5 cooperating. NirkT. Place, dean for UFIIFAS Extension. Page 52 of 69 Agenda Item #6. help HOAs and homeowners work together to fiend their niche in the Florida -Friendly landscape contirtrxurrr, See the Florida -Friendly Landscapirtg''L website for a one - stop, online infdrrnatiion kit for HOAs and property mang- ers at bttp:fl .ifas.ufl.edulcommunity_"to tiotiidL htm The wdxdte also includes a list of Florida -Friendly Landscaping considerations for architeeWal rmnv boards. Legislative Definition The definition of Florida -Friendly Lan&caping m in Florida Statutes section 373.185 (adopted in 2009 in Serrate Bill 2080) addresses "quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerate.- The principles of such landscaping inndude planting the right plant in the right plan ec efficient watering, appropriate fertiii YaL;on, mulching, attraction of wildlife, responsihle trtange rnen- of yard pests, recycling yard waste, reduction of storrnwater runoff, and waterfront protection. Additional components et ode practices such as landscape planning and design, $oil analysis, the ap- pWPdatc use of 5f;iLL waste compost, ado mizir,g the use of irrigatioTz , and Proper Ma trnance." Florida -Friendly Landscaping' Program Sum ma ry DOnition Florida. -Friendly Lwidscapin - is the application of silence -based landscape practices to help design and maintain attractive and mst mabie landscapes. The wine principles ofFlorida-Friendly Landscaping" begin w-th using the right plant in the right place to minimize the need r supplmmW water, ferti3,ixer, and pesticides. Turfgrasses as well as native and ikon -native plants all can Have useful and beneficial places in Florida -Friendly landscapes, provided they are planted in the right place and are rirktained according to the other eight key principles of Florida-l;rimdly Landscpong"': watering efficiently %lining appropriately, mulching responsibly and cor- recdy, attracting wildlife, managing yard pests respowibly, recycling yard was e, reducing swrmwater runoff, and protecting the waterfront, The Look of a Florida -Friendly Landscape A typical Florida -Friendly landscape provides a diversity of vegetation appropriate to the conditions of a yard or site and may include turfgrass and landscaped beds with trees, shrubs, grasses, and groundravers. Almost any landscape can be Florida -Frigidly if it's designed and. cared for according to the nine Florida -Friendly Landsc*ngm prWdplee, described above. The overriding gods of the Florida -Friendly Unds,capingr' Program are to conserve water, prescrve natural re- sources, and reduce water pollution. As defined by law, the Florida -Friendly Laktdscaping7 Program promo -yes quaiicy landscapes that are properIy designed and maint a.ned. NWsance, poorly maintained, and ur kaa r tpt landscapes are not considered Florida -Friendly. For more information about Florida -Friendly landscapes, visit http:1/t}m ifas.u$.edu1. Homeowners" Association Review Boards and Florida -Friendly Landscaping' Q: hat legal action does an HOA have for homeowners who proceed with a project without going through &e approval process? A:The amendments to Florida Statuw section 373.185. et seq., have not changed the review approv4 process for ROAs. Check with the HOA board ahoat its process, .Does the new law allow homeowners to retrofit their yards by removing tunfgrass and installing Florida- Friendly plants without HOA ,permission? A -The amendments to Florida Statutes section 373.185, et seq., have not changed the review approval process for HOA& If deed restrictions or cuver►ants regttire ROA approval for landscape modifi€adores, then homeown- ers still need approval from HiOA.s. Additicntally, please note that a Florida -Friendly landscape irtdudcs both non-natdve and native plants and rurflrrass as long as the plants and twfgrass match site conditions. Q:What, if any, restrictions on landscaping are per-mitted? Mt depends ern the HOA. Aa HOA may restrict land- scapes that contain only rocks and ,ravel, artificial turf, or mulch, which are not promoted by Flori&-Fdendly Landscapine. FIOAs also may impose reasonable restrictions on the placemm and appearance of rain barrels, compost bins* and specialty gardens - For a list of considerations for architectural review beards to use when developing Florida -Friendly Landscaping— guidelines fbr eormr uniti;es, see What to Consider far Florida -Friendly Larukcapinr Guhlelines . ........ ... ... r.. ... ..-.. ...�..,r r��. - G k I % i •S.'.'rW1P.ti �i'." k R Qu ffozo atsd A ns s. 2009 Florida-Fr4ndly i aruiwa in- LeguWtom Page 53 of 69 Agenda Item #6. http:l;fvn.ifas.ufl.edu/materialslARB_FFL-consider- ation-pidelines03_l 5_20 i I .pd£ Each HOA may use the nine principles of Florida - Friendly Landscaping (http:liftin.ifas.ufl.edu/index. html) to develop its own standards, but the standards should reflect the following local considerations: The effectiveness of Florida -Friendly Landscaping is at least specific to plant hardiness zones and communities, and perhaps even to sites. Each site has its own characteristics, such as unique soils, moisture conditions, and light, so individual communities must take into account the local growing conditions. UF1iFAS Extension agents can provide information. Each community expresses its own personality through the style of its landscaping. One size does not fit all. . Local landscaping ordinances may vary. Q:Does the hill address common property owned by the HOA? A:No, but the Florida -Friendly Landscaping"' Program recommends that the HOA set an example for home- owners by following Florida -Friendly Landscaping'"` principles in common areas. This includes using only those professionals who are trained and certified in the Florida -Friendly Best Management Practices for Protec- tion of Water Resources by the Green Industries (see http;jifyn.ifas. ofLeduiprefessionals{GI-BMP_publica- tions.htm) to maintain common areas. Q:What does the new law specifically require of homeown- ers and landscape maintenance companies? A:Homeowners: The amendments to Florida Statutes section 373.185, et seq., have not changed the review approval process between homeowners and their HOAs. Homeowners are encouraged but not required to landscape in accordance with Florida -Friendly Landscaping- principles, which offer numerous benefits, including an aesthetic lawn and savings in water and maintenance. Adopting a Florida -Friendly Landscape. Steps for Converting a Traditional Development Landscape to a Florida -Friendly Landscape (see http:liedi,sdfas.0 ff edu1pdffi1eslEPlEP39600.pdf) may be helpful for both HOAs and homeowners. The publication describes a phased -in installation of a Plorida-Friendly landscape to spread the effort over time and TO protect aesthetics. Landscape maintenance companies: Landscape mainte- nance professionals who apply fertilizer commercially are required to obtain a Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer Application from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by 2014. To get this certificate, each green industry professional must be trained and must have received a Certificate of Completion from UFlIFAS and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the Florida -Friendly Best lVlanagement Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries (GI-BMP). The training program teaches professionals Florida -Friendly Landscaping" maintenance practices. The GI-BMP manual, Florida -Friendly Best Manage- ment Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green industries, can be found at http://fyn.ifas.u#l,edul professionalslGl-BNiPupublications.htm. See "Maintenance" section below for more information. Q:When will Florida -Friendly Landscaping' design standards be provided? A:While there is no prescription for a Florida -Friendly landscape, there are recommended Covenants, codes and restrictions, which were rewritten after the law passed, and example landscape designs HOAs may find helpful as they develop their own design standards: • Florida -Friendly Landscaping— Model Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for New and Existing Community Associations, (September 20 10). http:ll f m.itas.ufl.edulpdflCCRs_Sept-20-201 O-Anal.pdf • Adapting a Florida -Friendly Landscape: Steps for Converting a Typical Development Landscape to a Florida -Friendly Landscape http:li edis.ifas. afi.edu! ep396 • The Florida -Friendly Landscaping"' Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design, 1st ed. (2010) http:ll fyn.ifas_ufl. edulpdf/FYN_Plant_S election_Gu.ide_ v-090110.pdf- • Community Butterf lyScaping: How to Move Beyond Butterfly Gardening to Create a Large -Scale Butterfly Habitat http:Jfedis.ifas.ufl.edulpdffilesfEPlEP42000. pdf • Wftat to consider for Florida -Friendly Landscap- ing' Guidelines http://f n.ifas.uLeduimaterialsi ARB-FFL_consi deratic)n-,guidelines03_l5_2O 11.,pdf Sample plant lists and designs for four Florida regions: Questions and Answers. 2©09 Florida-Friendiy Landscaping" LegWation Page 54 of 69 Agenda Item #6. • Florida -Friendly Landscaping Pattern Book: Sample Plant Lists and Designs for Four Florida Regions, USDA Hardiness Zones 8A and 8B, North Florida http:llfyrn.ifas.ufl,edu/pdf/FFL_Aoolc Zone_8A- 4S_08161 O.pdf • Florida -Friendly Landscaping Pattern Book: Sample Plant Lists and Designs for Four Florida Regions, USDA Hardiness Zone 9A, North Central Florida ht-tp:llfyn.i.fas.ufi.edu/pdf/FFL—Book L' one_9A_08 1610.pdf • Florida -Friendly Landscaping Pattern Book: Sample Plant Lasts and Designs for Four Florida Regions, USDA Hardiness Zone 9B, South Central Florida http:llf-n.i.fas.ufl.edulpdflFFl._Book_ Zone_9B_0816l0.pdf • Florida -Friendly Landscaping Pattern Book_ Sample Plant Lists and Designs for Four Florida Regions, USDA Hardiness Zones 14A, 1 OB, and 11, South Florida. http:llfyn.ifas.ufl_edufpdfl'FFI._Book Zone_! 0_08161 it.p df Q:Do review beards have the authority to tell homeowners what they can and cannot plant? A:Yes, if the review board is permitted to do so through their covenants or deed restrictions. Florida -Friendly landscapes offer a range of planting, turfgrass, and mulching options_ An HOA may specify the options available to homeowners so long as the plants, turf - grasses, and mulch are suited to site -specific conditions that reflect the "right plant, right place" principle of Florida -Friendly Landscaping`". Q:If a new community is being developed, what require- ments would the state, county, and local governing bodies require from there? A:Model Florida -Friendly Landscaping' ordinances are encouraged by the state for adoption by local govern- ments. Consult local government for the status of its ordinance. Q:NVhat types of developments are considered extremely natural in terms of Florida -Friendly Landscaping'? A:Appearance and the types of plants in communities do not solely define Florida -Friendly Landscaping?". Maintenance that adheres to Florida -Friendly Land- scapingr'`'' guidelines is essential. Maintenance practices designed to keep irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides to a minimum need to be examined to characterize a landscape as Florida -Friendly. Q:What is the status on local agencies contributing to some of the decision making regarding Florida -Friendly Landscaping7x and requirements? A:Consult local government for the status of ordinances. Q:Is the Florida -Friendly Landscaping— Program designed for homeowners or commercial use? A:The Florida -Friendly Landscaping' Program addresses homeowners, community associations (including HOAs), commercial and governmental properties, builders and developers, and commercial horticulture service providers. The principles of Florida -Friendly Landscaping— apply to all landscapes throughout the state. Q:How does the new statute affect maintenance -free communities and common areas? A:The Florida -Friendly Landscaping— legislation does not address maintenance -free communities or common areas. Q:If a yard was recognized in the past as a Florida -Friendly landscape, do HOA restrictions apply? A:Designation of a Florida -Friendly landscape may come as the result of a Florida -Friendly Landscaping— check- list, which is used as an educational and promotional tool for the Florida -Friendly Landscaping"" Program. To view the checklist, visit http:l/EL .ifas.ufl.eduTmateri- alslFYN_Yard_Recognition_Checklist.pdf. HOA rules take precedence regardless of when the homeowner was awarded recognition. However, an HOA may not require a homeowner to abide by covenants or restric- tions that are not Florida -Friendly Q:If a homeowner submits a landscape plan to his or her HOA that the HOA does not consider to be Florida - Friendly, what recourse does the homeowner have? A:The Florida -Friendly Landscaping' Program recom- mends homeowners and HOAs work cooperatively to End mutually acceptable solutions. LFIIFAS and the Department of Environmental Protection can offer technical assistance and education but cannot advise any party of legal rights and cannot resolve disputes between HOAs and homeowners. Ques#otu and Answers 2009 Fronds-F'riendd} Landscaping"' Legislation 4 Page 55 of 69 Agenda Item #6. Aesthetics and Florida -Friendly Landscaping' Community Look Q:How can a community conserve water and use less fertilizer but keep the community attractive and cohesive? A:Some communities have developed long-term land- scaping improvement plans. 'These plans guide changes made to the landscape and maintenance expenditures and can ensure the costs associated with change are spread over time. These plans also can be used to guide the landscaping review process for hameo Amem potentially reducing any conflict. Follow these suggested steps to develop a Florida - Friendly Landscaping"," improvement plan: • Conduct an assessment of existing plants. Some may stay, and others may need to be changed out. Regard- less, converting to Florida -Friendly Landscaping — can be done in phases. • Consider replacing hard -to -maintain areas, such as small or narrow turf areas and areas where turfgrass is under stress, with better -adapted plant species. Consider replacing selected landscape plants with plants identified as Florida -Friendly (see Florida - Friendly Landscaping— Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design at http:Ilfvn.ifas.ufl.edulpc fi FY,N'Plant_5election_Guide %,090110.pdf.Other suitable plants that are not listed but that meet site conditions may be used as long as they are not exotic, invasive plants. • Review annuals and perennials used, and ensure they can be maintained with minimal inputs. • Consider maintenance requirements when selecting plants and turfgrass. Select plants that require less maintenance. • Be flexible —certain plants may not work in specific areas within the community. Allow substitutes that fit site conditions and work with community aesthetics. For more information about how to convert a tradi- tional yard to a Florida -Friendly yard, visit httpJiedis. ifas,ufl.edu/pdffles/EP/EP39600.p,df. Q:What recourse do HOAs have if someone uses the new legislation to justify a landscape that is inconsistent with the neighborhood norm? A:The HOA can adopt guidelines to address these issues and define aesthetics. Parameters such as the ratio of landscaped beds to turfgrass, the shape of the landscaped beds, and the vegetation wittli them can be included in the community's Florida -Friendly Landscaping' plan. For a list of considerations for architectural review boards to use when developing Florida -Friendly Landscaping— guidelines for communities, see What to Consider for Florida -Friendly Landscaping— Guidelines at http:Illy-re,ifas.ufl.edufrna[er:als!AR>_FFL_cansider- ation_zu1delines03_15 2011.pdf. QOo homeowners have the right to keep a traditional landscape? A:Yes. No one is required to convert to a Florida -Friendly landscape. However, the legislature finds Florida - Friendly Landscaping— to be an essential part of water conservation, water quality protection, and restoration planning. Communities and homeowners mast comply with water restrictions. Implementing the "right plant, right place" concept minimizes landscape maintenance and can help homeowners conserve water. Rocks, Artificial Turfgrass, and Rubber Mulch QJs it permissible for homeowners to replace their yards with rocks, artificial turf, and rubber mulch? A:Rodu Florida -Friendly does not promote a landscape of all rocks or the use of artificial turf and rubber mulch. Such materials increase heat and may result in loss of habitat, or in habitat that does not support wildlife. If an KOA review board allows any rocks, Florida - Friendly recommends they be used in a reasonable way in landscapes that have plants. They also can be used for accents around heat -tolerant plants and trees, in rain gardens, or to lessen the impact of rainfall from roof overhangs. This last may be especially important as woody mulch along the foundation may attract termites, and rock will protect the soil from erosion without floating away or attracting pests. Questions and Answers--?009 Florida -Friendly Landscaping"LegisiaiiUn 5 Page 56 of 69 Agenda Item #6. AArtit>iciallSy°nthedc Turfgra.ss The Florida -Friendly Landscaping*- Program does not consider artificial turf to be a Florida -Friendly produck Synthetic turf surfaces were found to have substantially higher suriiae temperatures than natural turfgrasses. Surface temperatlisres of synthetic turf can be 93"C (199.E°F) on a day when sir temperature is 37- (98.459F). Heat transfer from the surface can contribVie to physiological stress that may result in health -related problems (11 c itt and Pet unnak 2006). Especially when the synhetic turf fields were newer, rubber granules often C cntai ed polycydic auomatic hydrocarbons (PA'A,) at levels above health -based soil standards. The levels or RAHs gmerally appeared tv decline as the field agti d. However, the decay trend may be complicated by aeding new rubber granules to con4x- sate for the loss of t1he material. Zinc con L-nts were found to far exceed the sad lank ( hang. Han, and Crain 2008). A limited souping level Field-linoniuming study of synthetic turf fields by Che US EnvironnmmW Protection Ageucy was canditcted. in two athletic fields and one playground to test metals and vo atile organic compounds_ It was rev e a] ed tha. metal concentrations were variable in a given site and between sites, and lead concentrations were low. Although there are no standards for lead in recycled tire material or synthetic tnrf, average concentrations were well below the EPA standard for lead in soil. It was suggested that it is not passible to revel comprehefte er cozlcly sons without consideration of additional data (U,$_ Environmental Protection Agency 2009). Healthy lawp8 clean and cool the air by absorbing carbon diaxide, releasing oxygen, and collecting dust and dirt. They 51W starmwrater runny, f acMtaste groundwater recharge, and reduce erosion, glare, and noise, (For more information about turfgmw, visit http:llfyn.ifaa.0 il,edulprofmionals/GI-SNIP-publica- tinns-h m.) A:Rutbber Mulch Recycled rubber mul caa is not recommended for plant beds. Vegetation and organic mulch provide fur a_ richer and more diiverse landscape- A mix of vaegeth n attracts beneficial wildlife. Mulch made from tree bark or other plant material contributes nutrients to the sail as it breaks down. Q--Js it permispble for homeowners to place rocks on their ,property between their houses and an eighbor s house to eliminate an irrigation zone to save water? A_The HOA review board may need to approve this landscape modification. From a water Filtration process, rucks are not necesnrily more Florida -Friendly tom. turfgrass. Titrfgrass filters runoff in a water cunveyance area, or swale, between the two properties where the eln-ation is lower. Howrwr, if the tssrfgrass is not performing well and velocity of the water corning from the home sites is causing erosion, an alternative grounOkover, including racks, shoWd be oomid d. Ponds and Easements Q.1s it permissible fDr homeowners to replace turxgrass t,a extends from behind their houses to the water's edge of a community's retention pond? A.Check wstb the H0A for b milscaping guidelines. The Florida -Friendly L.andsca4ping:' Program recommends the establishment of a 10-foot, maintenance -free buffer next to any water body --no ferWiwr, au irrigation, no pesticides, and no mowing_ Additionally, homeowners casutnot alter st=water sysbow (e g., stormwater swales, culverts, or ditches) without proper permission_ Q.Do ham vners have the right to make. Floriaa-Friendly those portions of their lawn identified as `msernmts" or setb� that they we obligated to -.-)a 7tain w,t,) their proFertYl A_ -Yes, homeowners may male these --h a .ges if they do not encroach an the function of the ease rnmt and as long as they adhere to other appm p riate Kudefine& For example, homeowners should not place perennial bushes or trees in a travel or utility easement, but the use of a drought -tolerant grounds ver or turfgrass drat enables them to avoid irrigating an area that ie, difficult to water may be quite reasonable. Plants and Turfgrass Plants :ls them a plant list available? AlThe ri!da-Friendly Landscapingg a Guide to Plant Sckwtion & Landscape Designs, lst ed. (2010), provides information on hundreds of plants (see bttp-.f)fyxs,ifass_ u1LedtslpdflF _Plan t_&,1ec! ion_ uiidc v09O1 U Pdf)_ However, just because the plaint is listed on the Florida -Friendly plant list dries not me= it performs weE ass all areas. The plant must mantels site conditions, iudwiing soil, light, moisture, and fertility needs, Questions and Aron +ws_ 2W9 Fbrida FrfendkLand3cd g—LqmlaVo" 6 Page 57 of 69 .Agenda Item #6. to survive without excess irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides. Q:What type of groundcover can homeowners use? Can they use sweet potato or other groundcovers? Are limita- tions imposed on types of groundcover to replace St. Augustinegrass? A; Check with the HOA. The HOA might have guidelines on the type or types of groundcovers that can be used. If no specific guidelines are provided by the HOA, use the Florida -Friendly plant list to identify groundcovers that correspond to existing site conditions. Q.-Does the Florida -Friendly plant palette include any Class 1 invasive species or poisonous plants? A:Class 1 invasive species are not on the list_ Some plants that may irritate the skin are on the list, as many plants incorporate distasteful chemicals or toxins in their tissues as a defense against insects. Keep in mind that some Florida -Friendly plants are not on the list. To be Florida -Friendly, the plant must match site conditions and must not be an exotic invasive. Q:`Right plant, right place' looks line it can vary from yard to yard. Are HOAs going to be trained in how to determine this? A:The Florida -Friendly Landscaping' Program has resources available to assist communities. See the list of resources at the end of this pubLcation or contact the local Extension office {see http.11www. solutionsfory- our1&.coin1mapl). Q.-The Florida -Friendly plant list is very long. Is it possible to reduce this list to a smaller number of plants from which to choose? A;Please consult Floridayards.org or a local county Extension agent. Turfgrass Q:Is turfgrass Florida -Friendly? AYes, as long as it matches site conditions and is not maintained with excessive irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizer. Q:What types of turfgrass are Florida -Friendly? A:Five types of turfgrass (two classifications of St. Augustinegrass and several cultivars) are considered Florida -Friendly as long as the choices match the site conditions. For details on the types of turfgrass, seepage 99 of The Florida -Friendly Landscaping— Guide to Plant Selection fir Landscape Design, 1st ed. (2010) at http:IJfyn.ifas.u€l. edu/pdilFYiN' Plant-.Selectiun_Guide_ti,090110.pdf. See also page 13 of The Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Handbook at http:flfyn.ifas.uEl.edtLImaterialsiFYN_Hand- book_vSept09.pdf. Q:Can H❑As require St. Augustinegrass for lawn turfgrass? AJt: can be required just like any other Florida -Friendly Landscaping"' turfgrass if it is the right plant for the right place. Q:Since five kinds of turfgrass are listed on the Florida - Friendly plant list, can homeowners plant whichever one they choose? A:The homeowner first may need to go to the HOA review board for landscape approval and should select only the turfgrass that is appropriate for the site. Q.-Can an HOA require a homeowner to keep turfgrass green year-round? A -No. When turfgrass slows or stops growing, it becomes lighter or turns brown_ This natural phenomenon occurs especially during cooler winter months or extended periods of drought. If turfgrass is fertilized during dormancy, it cannot use the nutrients efficiently or it cannot use them at all. Therefore, there is a greater chance the nutrients wilt find their way into nearby water bodies through runoff or leaching when any residue percolates through the ground. For information about fertilizer, consult The Lawn Fertilizer Toolbox at http:llufdc,ufLedui/ IR00003747!00401. Q:Is there a percentage of coverage for landscape beds versus turfgrass? A:The Florida -Friendly Landscaping Program and the 2009 Florida -Friendly legislation do not specify a ratio of landscape beds to turfgrass. The 2009 Florida - Friendly legislation requires that water management districts develop a model landscape ordinance specifying the percentage of landscape beds to irrigated turfgrass in new developments. Counties are encour- aged to adopt these model landscape ordinances. !Maintenance Q:Do Florida -Friendly landscapes require less or more maintenance than a traditional landscape? Questions and Answers: 2009 Florlda-FrienXy Landscaping" Legislation 7 Page 58 of 69 Agenda Item #6. A:By following the nine Florida -Friendly Landscaping',m principles —especially choosing the right plant for the right place —irrigation, fertilization, pesticide use, and other maintenance needs, such as pruning and weed- ing, should be minimal. Proper long-term maintenance is critical to keeping irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticide inputs to a minimum, which in turn helps conserve water and protect water quality. For a list of landscape professionals certified in Best Management Practices for the Green Industries, visit http:f 14m.i.fas.u3l.edulprotessionalslcertificati on_listsl ce rt_county_name.shtml. Q:Does Florida -Friendly Landscaping` achieve any cost savings? A:A condominium community in St. Augustine Beach converted to Florida -Friendly Landscaping"m and reduced outdoor water use by 10 million gallons between 2006 and 2010. The community also saved $6,500 in one year on landscape maintenance. Reduced irrigation resulted in fewer pest problems and substan- tial savings in electricity costs to run the well pumps. The Florida -Friendly landscape suited the aesthetic of the community. While condominiums are governed differently than HOAs, the principles of Florida - Friendly Landscaping` remain the same and can apply to any community. For other success stories on savings, visit the Creating Florida -Friendly Communities e-newsletter at http://f} m ifas.ufl, eduf crew sietter ECFFt ;_e-newsletter.htm. Q:Can homeowners still fertilize their lawns? A:Yes, but homeowners should follow UFIIFAS recom- mendations. For information on fertilizer application rates, see page 29 of the Florida -Friendly Best Manage- ment Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries at http://fvn,ifas,ufl,ed�i professionalsi GI - BN1 P _publications.htm, Q:Turfgrass requires special cutting equipment. If HQAs allow homeowners to choose any type of turfgrass they want, the HQA may not be able to manage a bulk contract. How should this be handled? A:Most cutting equipment has adjustable blades, so this should not be too much of a concern. Of concern are the types of chemicals used on various types of turfgrass. The suite used for St Augustinegrass, for example, is different than the suite for bahiagrass. Landscape maintenance contracts need to reflect this. Resources for Florida -Friendly Landscaping' Contact your local OF/IFAS Extension office for more information, or see below for helpful resources. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. 2007. Florida EPPCs 2007lnvasive Plant Species List. http:/Nrw v.fleppc.org/ list; 07iist_brochurc.pd.f Florida -Friendly Landscaping— Model Covenants, Condi- tions and Restrictions for lgew and Existing Community Associations September 2010, http,f/fln.ifas.ufl,edulpdf/ CCRs_S ept- 20- 2010_final. pdf Hansen, G., K. Perez, and E. Momol. 2010. Florida -Friendly Landscaping Pattern Book: Sample Plant Lists and Designs for Four Florida Regions, USDA Hardiness Zones SA and SB, North Florida. htt7//fyn.ifas.utl.edu/pdf/FFL—Book— ZonejA-0_08 i 610.p df Hansen, G., K. Perez, and E. Momol. 2010. Florida -Friendly Landscaping Pattern Book: Sample Plant Lists and Designs for Four Florida Regions, USDA Hardiness Zone 9A, North Central Florida. http://fyn,ifas.ufl.edulpdf!FFL_Book_ Zone_9A_081610.pdf Hansen, G., K. Perez, and E. Momol. 2010. Florida -Friendly Landscaping Pattern Book: Sample Plant Lists and Designs for Four Florida Regions, USDA Hardiness Zone 9B, South CEnrra2Florida. http:fledisdfas.ufi.edu/ptlflileslEP/ EP438€ 0.pdf Hansen, G., K. Perez, and E. Momol. 2010. Florida -Friendly Landscaping Pattern Book: Sample Plant Lists and Designs for Four Florida Regions, USDA Hardiness Zones IOA, I0B, and I], South Florida. http:/Ifyn,ifas.0 ,edu/pdf! FFL_Book Zone— 10_08161€? pdf Hansen, G., J. Ramos, E. A. Felter, and C. White. 2009. Adopting a Florida -Friendly Landscape: Steps for Converting a Typical Development Landscape to a Florida -Friendly Landscape. ENH1135, Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. http:lr'edis.ifas. u#l.edulep396 Malone, K., W. Wilber, G. Hansen, T_ Daniels, C. Larsen, and E. Momol. 2010. Community ButterflyScaping: How to Move Beyond Butterfly Gardening to Createa. Large -Scale Questions and Answers 2009 Florida -Friendly Landscaping'" Legistatinn. 8 Page 59 of 69 Agenda Item #6. Butterfly Habitat. ENH1160. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. http:ii edis.ifas.ufl.edufpdffileslF P/EP42000.pdf McNiff S., and D. Petrunak 2006. Evaluation of Playing Surface Characteristics of Various In -Filled Systems. Uni- versity Park Pennsylvania State University Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. University of Florida IFAS Extension. The Community Landscape: An Environmental Approach. http:lfsarasota. extension.ufl.edu,'FYN1P'ubsiFYNCorn nunityGuideiines- Broc.pdf University of Florida IFAS Extension_ "Florida -Friendly Landscaping" http:li fy-,i ,ifas.ufl.eda/ University of Florida IFAS Extension. "Florida -Friendly Landscaping"=: The Smart Way to Grow." http:!lFlorida- Yards.org University of Florida WAS Extension. "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Publications' http:hS-n.ifas.ufl.edu;' homeownersipohlications.ht.-n University of Florida IFAS Extension. "GI-BMP Certifica- tion List' http:ilfyn.ifas.ufl.edulprofessionaisicertifica- ti o n_lists/cert_count5�_nam e. shtml University of Florida IFAS Extension. "IFAS Assessment of Non -Native Plants in Floridas Natural Areas" http:Uplants. ifas. ofl. edulasses sment/con clusions. htni] University of Florida IFAS Extension. 2009. The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Handbook. htttp://fyn.ifas,ufl.edut materials/FYN_Handbook vSept09.pdf University of Florida IFAS Extension. 2010. The Florida - Friendly Landscaping— Guide to Plant Selection & Land- scape Design. littp:lf£yn.ifas.ufl.edulpdf,FYN_Plant_Selec- ticn_Guide_v090110.pdf University of Florida IFAS Extension. 2010. What to Consider far Florida -Friendly Landscaping" Guidelines. http:llfyn.ifas.0 l..edulrnaterialsi ARB_FFL_consider- atiore__guidelines03_15_201 l.pdf U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. A Scoping- Level Field Monitoring Stud} of Synthetic Turf Fields and Playgrounds. http:/lw-N-wsynthetictu,:fcou cil.orglassocia- tionsi 76321filesi EPA_600_R-09 13 5.pdf Zhang, ]„ I. Han, and W. Crain. 2008. "Hazardous Chemi- cals in Synthetic Turf Materials and Their Bioaccessibility in Digestive Fluids." Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology 18: 600-607. Questions and Answers: 009 Porida-friendly Landscaping- i egisiation 9 Page 60 of 69 Agenda Item #6. Page 61 of 69