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Welcome to SLC
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Conventional landscaping practices no longer fit with the changing demands of our communities. In response to Florida’s freshwater crisis, state and county governments are considering regulations which could restrict application of certain landscape products, as well as the use of certain practices. Therefore, the landscape industry requires leadership now to innovate its practices or it will be regulated. SLC educates purchasers of landscaping products concerning environmentally sustainable practices and raises awareness of the environmental and financial costs associated with the continued use of traditional landscape practices.
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Our Mission
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Design, implementation and maintenance of landscapes that are in balance with nature and protect the environment without compromising future generations by adhering to sustainable landscape practices and methods.
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Utilization of plants, materials, products, services and landscaping practices using native and other low-input plants, drought-resistant turf grasses, controlled and slow-release fertilizers that reduce nutrient run-off, environmentally-sensible mulches, landscape lighting that conserves energy, irrigation systems which conserve water, and eco-friendly pest management.
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Adoption of sustainable landscape practices that protect our fragile ecosystems, environment and waterways which conserve water, conserve resources, conserve energy, protect water quality and provide diversity and wildlife habitats.
WATER CONSERVATION
- Adoption of sustainable landscape practices that utilize turfs and grasses, plants and planting materials that are native or low-input, drought–tolerant and require less water.
- Utilize automatic rain shut-off sprinkler systems, soil moisture sensors, low-flow, drip, micro-spray irrigation and other intelligent irrigation systems that conserve water.
WATER QUALITY
- Utilize fertilizers that are controlled or time-released, that are eco-friendly and reduce nitrogen and phosphorous nutrient run-off into water ways and which follow state, local county or municipality regulations.
- Establish fertilizer free areas for landscape near shorelines, bays, estuaries and waterways of at least a 10 foot setback.
- Utilize hardscape or paver materials that are eco-friendly and permeable which allow water to infiltrate back into the soil and stormwater to be filtered to reduce pollutants.
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
- Utilize mulches that are environmentally sensible, recycled or by-products.
- Remove invasive plant species such as pepper trees, melaleuca, other invasive trees, plants and vines.
- Reuse materials that can be recycled to erect retaining walls for visual features instead of removing it to landfill sites.
- Avoid using materials that are harmful to the soil, dangerous to food or crops nearby.
- Create compost areas from grass clippings, leaves, and organic materials to be used as soil amendments and to reduce sending them to landfill sites.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
- Utilize solar power for lighting and irrigation systems where possible to reduce energy consumption.
- Shade air conditioning and cooling units and southern exposures to buildings to help units run cooler and increase energy efficiency.
- Select trees that can offer shading to cool homes and buildings to reduce energy consumption.
DIVERSITY & WILDLIFE HABITATS
- Utilize diversity of plants that help maintain a variety of beneficial organisms.
- Plant trees, shrubs and plants, where appropriate, that offer nesting areas, food and water sources for birds.
- Utilize plants, where appropriate, that promote bee colony maintenance and attract butterflies.
- Utilize plants, where appropriate, that offer sustainable edible landscape opportunities such as fruit trees, vegetables and herbs that reduce food costs, add to the safety of where foods are grown, and convenience.
MAINTENANCE
- Utilize landscape contractors, lawn maintenance companies or laborers who are knowledgeable about and adhere to sustainable landscape methods and who have been certified according to Best Management Practices (BMP’s) through their state, county, municipality, industry or horticultural organization.
STEWARDSHIP
- Adhere to Best Management Practices and sustainable landscape methods to be good stewards of the land.
- Adhere to community, state and federal ordinances and programs that affect landscape methods to protect the environment and conserve water, energy, resources and improve water quality.
- Stay current with and increase knowledge of sustainable landscape methods through education, programs and Best Management Practices as well as to educate others about the importance of sustainable landscape methods to protect ecosystems, the environment and waterways.
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