The key to having a healthy, low-maintenance landscape is choosing the right plants for the right place. Make maintenance easier and cheaper by grouping plants together that have similar needs for soil, moisture and sunlight.

• Go native.
  Native plants are generally easier to maintain because they have adapted to local environmental conditions, but even native plants need to be placed in the right location within your yard. Select plants that match the existing conditions for soil, moisture and sunlight.
• Xeriscape.
  Save water everyday and be prepared for our next water shortage with drought tolerant native plants.
• Make your landscape work for you.
  Trees and shrubs planted to shade the west, east and south sides of your home can help to reduce your A/C costs. In addition, trees and shrubs are usually easier to maintain than grass.
• Don’t be a pest.
  We love plants, but some can be real pests - especially the exotic ones. For a list of prohibited species that should not be planted in Miami-Dade, contact DERM or the Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension Service.