St. Pete runs one of the largest reclaimed water systems in the country, and that single fact changes the plant list more than anything else. We build reclaimed-water tolerance into the design from the start.
Reclaimed water carries dissolved salts that build up in the root zone over time. Here's what that calls for.
With reclaimed water tolerance built into the plant selection from the start, not added after the leaf tips start burning.
Variety chosen for salt load, not just sun exposure.
For the low blocks near the bayous, including raised beds and swale work.
Permeable joint systems where standing water is a recurring issue.
For the many mid-century pool yards in this city, planted so the filter stays clean.
Flushing the root zone before replanting rather than planting on top of contaminated ground.
Shore Acres, Coffee Pot Bayou, Riviera Bay and pockets around the bayous take water on a schedule. We're direct about what landscaping can and can't fix.
Raise beds and rework grade so water moves toward the street or a swale instead of collecting at the house.
Choose plants that survive periodic flooding rather than dying the first time the yard goes under, and rebuild soil after a salt water event rather than planting over it.
We build hardscape that drains through instead of damming water in place. What we can't do is stop tidal flooding with landscaping, and anyone promising that is selling something.
Historic Kenwood, Old Northeast, Crescent Lake and Roser Park have small lots, brick streets, mature canopy, and houses with real architectural character. The landscaping mistake here is scale, a plan that suits a suburban ranch swallows a 1920s bungalow.
We work smaller: tighter plant material, bed lines that follow the geometry of the house, restraint with the species count. Four plants repeated reads as intentional. Twelve scattered reads as a nursery clearance sale. Some districts carry historic designation, which can affect what changes are reviewable.
Tree protection is enforced by the City of St. Petersburg, and removal of qualifying trees requires review. Watering days follow Southwest Florida Water Management District rules, and reclaimed water customers may be on a different schedule than potable customers. Fertilizer restrictions apply seasonally across Pinellas County, and we won't fertilize during the summer blackout window.
Work with usUsually salt buildup from reclaimed irrigation. More water makes it worse if drainage is poor. The fix is plant selection plus soil work.
No, but the plan has to account for it. We use material that tolerates being underwater for a day and avoid anything that will rot after one event.
Yes. Florida friendly beds, groundcover and hardscape can cut irrigated turf substantially, and the county has rebate programs worth checking.
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.