Florida Winter Is Driest In 80 Years

Florida set records this year in more ways than one.  Not only did we have colder temperatures earlier (November) but from October through February, it was also the driest winter in eighty years. In December, we had less than an inch of rain for the entire month, January we had 2" - 3" more than normal, and in February, there was less than an inch. March's month totals look to be below the average 3" with no rain anticipated for the next week, leaves Florida in a rainfall deficit.

The lack of hurricanes and tropicals storms last fall, and the lack of adequate rainfall this winter means that lake levels are low, wells will be running dry, and the aquifer will be low with more saltwater intrusion. 

These conditions mean that more landscapes will fail and high maintenance lawns will not survive. Reducing your fertilizing schedule, retrofit your irrigation to be efficient, watering only when your yard shows signs of stress will help your lawn manage till summer rains set in.

Inefficient irrigation system doesn't have head to head coverage.

Want more ways to drought proof your lawn? Check out the University of Florida's recommendations.

Cooler Temps In Your Backyard

NOAA have analyzed the La Nina weather patterns and are predicting Florida will have a warm, drier than average winter forecast. Rainfall during December, January, and February are normally low and temperatures will fluctuate. We didn't have any hurricanes or tropical storms so our water levels will be lower with very little chance of recovering before our dry spring. What does that mean for Florida gardeners? It means that we probably won't have to worry about losing plants from excessive freezing but homes in wild fire zones will have to be on the alert. Florida has a greater risk of wildfires this year.


How can you fireproof your landscape?

• Find out if you live in a fire-prone area.



• Keep all mulch two feet away from your house. Decomposed mulches that are wet will likely not combust but will be a source for mold, mildew, and termites.



• Don't use rubber mulch around your home.



• If you have wood entries such as decking, trellises, or benches near house, remove during winter season or replace with metal, concrete, or other noncombustible materials.



• Remove vines, hanging branches, and overgrown shrubs away from roof and entryways.



• Make sure you have clean gutters. Fall leaves, pine cones, pine needles, are flammable and pose a risk to roofs.



• Remove all dead plants and underbrush from your landscape.



• Design your landscape so that you have vertical and horizontal separation between plants. That means keeping 15 feet between trees and shrubs. If your plants all touch each other, fire can spread quicker.



• Keep all trees 30 to 50 feet away from home.


• Regular maintenance such as pruning and checking irrigation systems is important.

Landscape plants and their fire-resistance.

Printable Preparing a Fire-Wise Plant list.

University of Florida/IFAS provides questions to determine how fireproof is your landscape?

More fire-wise information.

Printable Important - Mobile Home Fire Safety brochure.

2007 Wildfires