Outdoor Conservation Tips

Does your irrigation come on no matter how much rain we've received? Do you find water spots on vehicles after the sprinklers have ran? Or maybe you're looking for ways to lower your water bill? Check out our FREE Landscape and Irrigation Evaluation program!

Outdoor Saving Tips

Install a Rain Barrel
-Collect rain water in a rain barrel or cistern to water plants. For more information on rain barrels, click here.

Use a Compost Bin
-Recycle and reuse your indoor and outdoor waste. Reduce the amount of trash you are taking to the landfill. Composting is easy and beneficial. For more information on composting, click here.

Plant a Vegetable Garden
-Grow your own vegetables and water them with micro-irrigation and fertilize with your compost.

Direct Rainwater Into a Rain Garden
-Direct rainwater from your roof into a low landscaped area in your yard. A rain garden reduces the runoff that leaves your yard.

Install & Maintain a Florida-Friendly Yard
-Florida-Friendly Landscapes are cost-saving, efficient, environmentally friendly and beautiful. For more information, click here.

Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn
-Grass clippings don’t need to be collected, reduce waste and let the clippings break down to benefit your lawn.

Pick Up After Your Pets
-Prevent bacteria from entering our waterways by picking up after your pets.

Maintain a Healthy Waterfront
-Plant around your lake or pond, keep fertilizers away from the water and maintain native plants for a healthy waterfront.

Direct Downspouts
-Allow runoff to soak into the ground by directing downspouts onto porous surfaces.

Questions?

Call City of Lakeland Water Utilities at 863.834.6193 or the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ at 863.519.1047.
Composting

What is composting and how do I do it?

Composting is an environmentally friendly way of converting yard debris or certain types of food waste into a nutrient rich soil amendment. This dark, crumbly material is created by microorganisms decomposing the organic matter into something plants can readily use. Composting helps conserve water by acting as a natural fertilizer, therefore reducing the need for chemical ones that often end up in our groundwater. Below you will find helpful links that can get you started.

"Compost" University of Florida IFAS Extension

"Recycle Yard Waste" Florida Friendly Landscaping
Fertilizer

Read the label

All plants need nutrients in order to grow. However there is such a thing as "too much of a good thing".

Click here for a helpful Florida Friendly Fertilizer guide from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

You can also get information here from the "Florida-Friendly Landscape" Program.
Florida-Friendly Landscape
What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping?

The UF/IFAS Extension Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program provides Polk County residents with information to help protect natural resources. Practicing the nine principles of FFL reduces your need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides, all while creating and maintaining a beautiful landscape.

Check out University of Florida's Polk County IFAS Extension's page for more information:
Irrigation

On average, 30% to 50% of the water used by residential households is used outside, specifically through irrigation.

Did you know it's the law? Florida Statute 373.62(1) Any person who purchases and installs an automatic landscape irrigation system must properly install, maintain, and operate technology that inhibits or interrupts operation of the system during periods of sufficient moisture.

Do you need help troubleshooting your irrigation system? Check out PRWC's website here for information.

What to know how to set your Irrigation Timer? Watch this:  How to set your irrigation timer
Rain Barrels
Harvest Water From Your Roof

Did you know, using a rain barrel can save you money as well as improve the health of your plants? 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 sq. ft. roof yields 623 gallons of water. Use the links below to find out more!
- Using a Rain Barrel
- Building a Rain Barrel
Florida Friendly Plants
What does "native" mean?

Native plants are those that originated here in Florida and can withstand our climate and ecosystems.

Native Plants
Organic Gardening
- Florida Organic Growers
- UF/IFAS Organic Gardening
Trees