Barrier island landscaping runs by its own rulebook. Salt from two sides, sand instead of soil, and state dune rules that carry real penalties. We know the rulebook before we draw a plan.
Direct Gulf exposure on one side, the Intracoastal on the other. Here's what that calls for.
Built around exposure on both the Gulf and Intracoastal sides, with bulletproof material on exposed faces and softer plants tucked where the house blocks the wind.
Seashore paspalum where salt load is high, since standard varieties fail quickly this close to the water.
Materials and fasteners chosen for salt air, plus base preparation built for sand.
Brass or copper only. Aluminum fixtures on the island are a short-term purchase.
For the many small pool decks out here, planted so wind doesn't fill the water with debris.
We amend heavily in the hole and across the bed, mulch deep to slow evaporation, and run drip instead of spray so water reaches roots instead of blowing sideways.
This is the part that gets homeowners in trouble, and it's the first thing we check before quoting.
Cutting, digging or damaging sea oats carries penalties under Florida law. They hold the dune together, and the dune is what stands between a house and a storm surge.
Work seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line generally needs a state permit, separate from the county or town. Redington Beach, North Redington Beach and Redington Shores each have their own ordinances too. We establish which line a property falls on before quoting.
Sand holds no nutrients and almost no water. Irrigation runs past the root zone before the plant can use it, so we amend the hole and bed heavily and run drip instead of spray.
The plant list is short and it's not negotiable. Direct Gulf exposure kills anything that isn't built for it.
Reliable out here: sea grape, saw palmetto, silver buttonwood, dune sunflower, railroad vine, coontie, agave, yucca, and Spanish bayonet for a barrier. Sabal and coconut palm handle it too.
Everything else needs shelter, a courtyard, a wall, or the leeward side of the structure. We plant that way deliberately: bulletproof material on the exposed faces, the more interesting plants tucked where the house blocks the wind.
Work with usNo. They're state protected and they hold the dune in place. There are legal ways to improve a view line, cutting dune vegetation is not one of them.
Sea grape, silver buttonwood, saw palmetto, dune sunflower and agave. That short list exists for a reason.
It depends on where your property sits relative to the control line and which town you're in. We check before quoting.
The soil needs flushing with fresh water before replanting. Laying sod on salt-loaded ground just repeats the loss.
Call us or fill out the form to tell us about your landscape needs. We'll get back to you within 24 hours to schedule a free on-site consultation.