Creating a Sustainable Landscape - Tips and Tricks

Cindy Dalecki • June 20, 2021

Do you want to make your yard more eco-friendly while still having a beautiful landscape? In this blog post, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks on how to create a sustainable landscape. From using native plants to implementing rainwater harvesting systems, you’ll learn how to lower your environmental impact and save money on your water bill.


Creating a sustainable landscape is not only beneficial for the environment, but it can also save you time and money in the long run. Whether you are starting from scratch or revamping an existing landscape, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you create a sustainable and beautiful outdoor space.


First and foremost, choose native plants. Native plants have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which means they require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance than non- native species. They also provide habitat for local wildlife and can help prevent soil erosion.

Another important aspect of a sustainable landscape is water conservation. Install a rain barrel or cistern to collect rainwater for irrigation purposes. You can also choose plants that are drought-tolerant and group them together according to their water needs. Mulching the soil around plants can also help retain moisture.


Incorporating edible plants into your landscape is another way to make it more sustainable. Plant fruit trees, berry bushes, and vegetable gardens to provide fresh produce for your family while reducing the need for transportation and packaging of store-bought produce.  When it comes to hardscaping, choose materials that are locally sourced and eco-friendly. For example, use permeable pavers instead of concrete to allow rainwater to seep into the soil instead of running o into storm drains. You can also use recycled materials such as broken concrete or glass for paths and patios.


Finally, consider incorporating renewable energy into your landscape. Install solar-powered lights or a small wind turbine to power outdoor appliances or lighting. Not only will this reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also save you money on your energy bills.

Creating a sustainable landscape may require some initial investment in time and money, but the long-term benefits are worth it. By choosing native plants, conserving water, incorporating edible plants, using eco-friendly hardscaping materials, and incorporating renewable energy, you can create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space that benefits both you and the environment. If you are in the Ormond Beach area and would like guidance setting up your sustainable landscape, reach out to Kennedy Landscaping at 386-547-3864.


Sunlit grass blades with dew at sunset, warm orange light in the background

May Landscaping in Ormond Beach: Rainy Season Lawn Care Starts Now

May 5, 2026
By the end of May in Ormond Beach and across Central Florida, your landscape is in full spring mode: lawns are growing fast, rain is more frequent, and humidity is starting to rise. This is the moment when small issues can turn into big ones—especially fungus, weeds, and soggy spots. Here’s a practical end-of-May checklist to keep your yard looking great and performing well as we head into June. 1) Don’t let grass get too tall between mows Late May is when lawns can get ahead of you. Stick to a consistent mowing schedule Avoid cutting too short (scalping stresses turf and exposes soil) Keep mower blades sharp to reduce tearing and stress A steady mowing routine helps your lawn stay dense, greener, and more resistant to weeds. 2) Watch for early signs of fungus (and act quickly) Warm nights + wet grass = prime conditions for fungal issues. Keep an eye out for: Brown or yellow patches that expand over time Thinning areas that feel “spongy” or stay damp Spots that don’t improve even after mowing and normal watering Helpful prevention habits: Water early morning only Avoid watering every day Don’t over-fertilize late in the month (too much growth can increase stress) If you suspect fungus, it’s best to address it early before it spreads. 3) Adjust irrigation for real-life weather (not the timer) As rainfall increases, your irrigation schedule should become more flexible. End-of-May irrigation check: Reduce watering days when rain is consistent Inspect for leaks and overspray Make sure coverage is even (dry corners still happen) Overwatering is one of the most common causes of summer lawn problems in Florida. 4) Re-mulch and re-edge beds that are getting washed out Heavy rain can scatter mulch and soften bed lines. Re-edge beds to keep them crisp and defined Top off mulch to a consistent 2–3 inches Remove weeds before they root deeply This keeps your landscape looking clean and “maintained,” even during messy weather. 5) Trim for airflow and visibility Fast growth can block walkways, crowd entry areas, and trap moisture. Trim shrubs away from windows and walkways Remove dead or crowded interior growth to improve airflow Keep plants off the home’s exterior where possible Better airflow helps reduce disease pressure and keeps the landscape looking polished. 6) Check drainage and protect problem areas If you’ve got spots that puddle after storms, late May is the time to take them seriously. Look for: Standing water after rain Erosion near downspouts Thin turf in low areas Mulch washing out repeatedly A simple plan now can prevent turf loss and bigger repairs later. Keep your Ormond Beach landscape looking great into summer Kennedy Landscaping can help with mowing and maintenance, bed refreshes, trimming, mulch, and seasonal cleanups—so your yard stays healthy and attractive through Central Florida’s rainy season. Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule your end-of-May service and head into summer with confidence.
Close-up of bright green grass blades covered in glistening morning dew drops against a blurred, soft green background.

Get Ready for Florida’s Rainy Season: End-of-April Landscaping Tips

April 22, 2026
In Central Florida, the end of April is your warning light: rainy season is around the corner. That means heavier downpours, faster plant growth, more weeds, and the kind of standing-water issues that can turn a healthy yard into a headache. The good news? A few proactive landscaping moves now can help your property handle wet weather better and stay looking clean and well-maintained as we head into May and June. 1) Walk your yard and look for drainage trouble spots Before the rains ramp up, identify areas that already hold water or stay soggy. Look for: Low spots where puddles form Mulch washing out of beds Soil erosion near downspouts Grass that stays yellow or thin in one area Catching these early makes it easier to fix the cause before repeated storms make it worse. 2) Clean gutters and downspouts (it matters for your landscape) Clogged gutters don’t just affect your roof—they dump water where you don’t want it. Quick wins: Clear leaves and debris from gutters Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation Consider extensions or splash blocks if water is carving out ruts This one task can prevent major erosion and bed damage. 3) Refresh mulch and tighten bed edges Heavy rain can scatter mulch and blur bed lines fast. End-of-April bed prep: Re-edge beds for crisp borders Top off mulch to a consistent 2–3 inches Keep mulch away from trunks and stems Fresh mulch helps reduce weeds, protects roots, and keeps beds looking polished even after storms. 4) Stay ahead of weeds before they explode Warm temperatures plus moisture is weed paradise. To stay in control: Pull or spot-treat weeds weekly (small is easier than big) Focus on thin lawn areas where weeds move in first Keep mowing consistent so turf stays dense A strong lawn is one of the best defenses against weeds. 5) Check irrigation settings so you’re not “double watering ” Once rain becomes more frequent, irrigation schedules should change. Do a quick system check: Inspect heads for leaks, clogs, and overspray Make sure coverage is even (dry corners still happen) Adjust run times and days based on rainfall Overwatering during rainy season can lead to fungus and shallow roots—two things you don’t want. 6) Trim for airflow to reduce disease risk Rainy season brings humidity, and dense plants can trap moisture. Helpful trimming focuses on: Removing dead or crowded interior growth Keeping shrubs off walkways and away from the home Improving airflow around plants to reduce fungal issues Strategic trimming keeps your landscape healthier and looking sharper. Ready to prep your property before the rains hit? Kennedy Landscaping can help you get ahead of rainy season with bed refreshes, mulch, trimming, spring cleanups, and ongoing maintenance—so your yard stays beautiful and functional through Florida’s wetter months. Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule your end-of-April service and get your landscape rainy-season ready.