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.


Elegant house with manicured lawn and vibrant flower beds under a cloudy sky.

Fall Back in Love With Your Yard This February

February 4, 2026
February is all about love—and in Central Florida, it’s also one of the best times to give your landscape a little extra attention. Cooler temperatures make outdoor projects more comfortable, plants experience less stress, and small improvements can create a noticeable transformation. If your yard has felt a little tired after the holidays (or you’ve been meaning to tackle a few lingering to-dos), here are practical ways to fall back in love with your outdoor space this February. 1) Start with a “clean slate”—a seasonal cleanup Nothing makes a yard feel “loved” faster than a clean, tidy look. Focus on: Removing fallen branches, leaves, and debris Cutting back dead or damaged growth Pulling weeds before they spread Clearing out beds so plants have room to breathe A cleanup instantly improves curb appeal and helps prevent pests and disease. 2) Refresh your mulch for an instant “before-and-after” Mulch is one of the quickest ways to make your landscape look professionally maintained. Top off mulch to a consistent 2–3 inches Keep mulch a few inches away from trunks and stems Re-edge beds for crisp lines that make everything look intentional This one change can make the entire property look brighter and more polished. 3) Add a pop of seasonal color (yes, Florida has winter color) Even in February, Central Florida landscapes can be full of color—you just need the right plants. Great cool-season options include: Petunias Snapdragons Dianthus Pansies and violas Add color where it matters most: Near the front entry Along the walkway Around the mailbox In containers by the porch or patio 4) Show your lawn some love with smart winter-season care Your warm-season grass may be growing slower, but February is a great time to set it up for spring. Keep mowing at the right height (avoid scalping) Watch for winter weeds and address them early Check for thin areas that may need a spring recovery plan A little attention now helps your lawn green up faster when temperatures rise. 5) Check irrigation settings (and stop watering like it’s July) Many irrigation systems are still running too often during the cooler months. A quick February check can: Prevent fungus and root issues Reduce wasted water Protect plants from overwatering stress If you’re seeing soggy spots or uneven coverage, it’s time for an adjustment. 6) Create one “love-it” moment in your yard You don’t need a full redesign to love your landscape again. Choose one small upgrade that changes how the space feels. Ideas that make a big impact: A refreshed entry bed with new edging and seasonal color A clean, defined border along the driveway or walkway A new container arrangement by the front door A simple bed redesign to open up views and improve flow These upgrades are affordable, fast, and satisfying—and they make your yard feel cared for. Fall back in love with your yard—we can help If your landscape needs a refresh, Kennedy Landscaping can help you bring it back to life with seasonal cleanups, bed refreshes, mulch, color installations, and ongoing maintenance. Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule your February landscape service and fall back in love with your yard again.
Tan and brick house with a two-car garage, manicured lawn, and blue sky.

End-of-January Landscape Prep in Central Florida: Get Ahead Before Spring Rush

January 19, 2026
Late January in Central Florida is the sweet spot for getting ahead. Growth is still slower, the weather is usually comfortable, and a little proactive work now can prevent common spring headaches like weeds, patchy turf, and overgrown beds. If you want your property looking its best when spring arrives, here are the smartest end-of-January moves to make. 1) Do a quick “winter damage” walk-through Before you add anything new, take 10 minutes to walk the property and look for: Thin or stressed areas in the lawn Broken branches or storm debris Plant beds that have washed out or lost mulch Drainage trouble spots (areas that stay soggy) Catching issues now makes repairs easier—and often less expensive—than waiting until peak growing season. 2) Get serious about weeds (before they spread) As temperatures start to bounce around, weeds can take advantage of slower turf growth. End-of-January is a great time to: Spot-treat visible weeds Tighten up mowing habits (proper height helps turf compete) Plan your pre-emergent timing for early spring (based on local conditions) A proactive weed plan now can make your lawn look dramatically cleaner by March. 3) Refresh bed edges and mulch for instant curb appeal If you want the fastest “before/after” improvement, this is it. Re-edge beds for clean, crisp lines Pull weeds and remove old debris Top off mulch to a consistent 2–3 inches Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks This simple refresh makes the whole landscape look more intentional and professionally maintained. 4) Check irrigation and adjust for the season Many irrigation systems are still set too high from warmer months, or they’re running on autopilot. End-of-January checklist: Reduce run times if you’re seeing soggy spots Water early morning (avoid nighttime watering) Inspect for broken heads, leaks, and overspray Make sure coverage is even (dry corners are common) Smart irrigation adjustments help prevent fungus and protect roots—while saving water. 5) Prune selectively (and avoid common winter mistakes) Late winter is a good time for light shaping and removing dead or damaged growth, but it’s also when homeowners accidentally over-prune. Focus on: Removing dead, diseased, or hazardous branches Lightly shaping shrubs that are blocking walkways or windows Holding off on aggressive tropical pruning until the risk of cold snaps is lower If you’re unsure what to cut and what to leave, it’s worth getting a pro opinion—one bad pruning job can set plants back for months. 6) Plan your spring upgrades now (before schedules fill up) Spring is one of the busiest times for landscaping. Planning at the end of January helps you move first—especially if you’re considering: Seasonal color installations New plantings or landscape redesign Sod replacement or lawn recovery work Drainage improvements Landscape lighting upgrades Even if you don’t start the project immediately, having a plan keeps spring from turning into a scramble. Ready to get your landscape spring-ready? Kennedy Landscaping can help you tackle end-of-January cleanups, bed refreshes, irrigation checks, and seasonal planning—so your yard looks great now and performs even better when spring growth kicks in. Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule a late-winter landscape checkup and get ahead of the spring rush.