- in Blog , Maintenance Corner , Newsletter by Tanya Chappell
Property Management Services | Intelligent Landscaping
Protecting Your Foundation | Property Management Services
The FFA’s Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration Contest is designed to stimulate careful planning, thorough knowledge and the ability to explain, by work and action, the “how and why” of various horticulture practices. Braley Hines, of the Trenton FFA Chapter, recently competed in the Landscape division and placed 3rd in the state with her project on “Intelligent Landscaping”. She wanted homeowners to understand the importance of topsoil and that plants around your home add value, not just beauty.
Most homeowners underestimate the impact of soil erosion around the foundation of their home. Without a protective layer of topsoil in place, the underlying ground has a harder time attracting and retaining moisture. As a result, the soil around your home can quickly contract and expand placing tremendous pressure on your properties foundation. This stress may first be seen as a hairline crack, but left unattended it could turn in to bigger problems like:
- Sagging roofs
- Leaning chimneys
- Warped floors
- Sinking foundations
What is Intelligent Landscaping?
After establishing healthy topsoil, you will need to add plants. But before you go down to your local garden store, there are two important words to remember “Intelligent Landscaping”. This involves strategically planting zone friendly bushes, trees and grass around your home to hold topsoil in place and reduce the risk of soil erosion. Here are a few tips to remember when selecting plants to go around your home:
- Florida is the sunshine state, so plants to be able to tolerate the sun, as well as rain.
- Shrubs provide a strong root system to hold soil in place, protect your home from wind, improve air quality, as well as provide habitats for small birds and animals.
- Grasses and flowers not only add texture and color to your landscape but help to prevent water erosion. Their roots hold the soil together preventing water from washing it away.
- Mulch spread over bare areas will reduce the impact of raindrops and blanket it from the wind.
The next time you start a gardening project I hope you will remember the term “intelligent landscaping”, take time to prepare your soil, and choose “Florida Friendly” plants.
About the Author
Braley Hines is in 7th grade and very active in FFA. She participates in individual activities, as well as team contests. She has a passion for agriculture and conservation. July of 2019, she will be representing Gilchrist Soil & Water Conservation District in a state contest. Barley placed 3rd out 11 in the OH contest and will be recognized at the state FFA Convention this summer.Her mother Ashley Cook works with Secure Investments Realty as an Assistant Property Manager. We were thrilled when she told us about Braley’s project and thought it would be neat to give her some credit for such a well done project. We could not be more proud of our friends and family who help make this world a little better!
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