Conserving Water: Rethinking the Traditional Lawn
Published on June 18, 2026
Written by: Natalie Gass, Sustainability Program Manager
Whether we find ourselves in a time of extreme drought or not, conserving water is always a good choice. It saves money and protects critical natural resources. While there are many ways to conserve water, such as turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth or taking shorter showers, there is one area of our homes that we can focus on that significantly outweighs the rest. When it comes to typical single-family homes, the largest category of water use comes from watering our landscapes.
Florida Native and Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Targeting our landscapes and making smart, strategic landscaping choices is one of the best ways to reduce our water consumption.
The great benefit of Florida native plants and Florida-friendly landscaping is that the plants and recommended best practices are designed for our environment. Florida native plants and Florida-friendly landscapes thrive in our climate, require little to no watering once fully established, are low-maintenance, support soil health, reduce localized flooding, and provide food and habitat for local and migrating wildlife. Truly a win all around!
Transformation photos of a home that converted their landscape
from turf grass to Florida native plants.
A Brief History of Landscaping in America
So why don’t we see more Florida native landscapes? Our current landscapes are typically comprised of turf grass and exotic plants. With the long list of benefits from native plants, what’s holding us back? Let’s have a quick history lesson in landscaping, and particularly our obsession with short grass. According to The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation, in the 17th and 18th century, aristocrats in England and France intentionally cleared large tracts of land around their castles and estates to display wealth, showing they were wealthy enough to use land for aesthetic pleasure rather than essential farming. This sentiment was brought over with early settlers and made famous by the colonial elite as a symbol of status. Fast forward to the post World War II era, and suburban neighborhoods adopted the short grass aesthetic, as it was the first time this landscaping style could be used as a status symbol for the working class.
For centuries this practice has been passed down through generations, and we now find ourselves with short grass in all our current landscapes. Turf grass lawns are so pervasive in our culture today, that they are the most watered crop in the United States. Think about that! The most watered crop in the United States is one we can’t eat!
To conserve water and celebrate the natural beauty of where we live, let’s choose native and Florida-friendly plants that thrive in our local environment over turf grass. We’re in Florida, not England after all!
Tips for Creating a Florida-Friendly Landscape
A great way to celebrate America 250 is to incorporate more Florida native plants in our landscapes. Get started with these helpful tips:
- Right Plant, Right Place: The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF IFAS) says, “Get it right from the start. Choosing the right plant for the right place is the foundation of a healthy, low-maintenance landscape. Plants suited to your soil, sunlight, and space thrive without excess water or chemicals. This principle saves time, money, and resources while reducing stress on Florida’s ecosystems.”
- Know the Difference – Florida Native vs Florida-friendly: All Florida native plants are automatically considered Florida-friendly, but not all Florida-friendly plants are native. The primary difference lies in their origin. Native plants are indigenous to the state, while Florida-friendly plants include non-native species that thrive in the local climate without becoming invasive.
- Choose Your Style: The large variety of Florida native and Florida-friendly plants allows you to create a landscape that fits your style, whether that’s whimsical and lush or formal and structured.
- Find Resources: Looking to find the right plant for the right place in your landscape? Utilize these great resources to determine your plant list before heading to the local nursery.
- Purchase Your Plants:
- Ask local nurseries about their Florida native and Florida-friendly plant selections. Some nurseries have more than others, but the more we ask and purchase these plants, the more they’ll be stocked. Asking for the scientific Latin name of the plant can ensure you’re selecting a true native plant.
- Apply for the Dunedin Resiliency & Sustainability Rebate Program to receive a rebate for your native plant landscaping project. This is a first come, first serve program as funds are available. Restrictions apply.
- Adjust Watering Systems: Set up your watering system with intention. When the right Florida native and Florida-friendly plants are planted in the right place, they will require less watering. Be sure to follow watering guidelines for each specific plant and understand they may require additional watering during establishment.
- Provide Care & Maintenance: When set up correctly, this type of landscaping requires low maintenance as these plants can flourish in our local environment. Learn about the plants you are incorporating into your landscape to ensure you understand the care that is needed when initially planted and once established. For additional best practices, learn about the 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™.
As you move forward in this journey, share your successes and lessons learned with neighbors, friends, and coworkers. The more we celebrate our Florida native and Florida-friendly landscapes, the further this movement will grow. It’s a grassroots effort that moves us away from grass and closer to our true Florida roots.