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Frequently Asked Questions
What permits and credentials are needed to regrade and sod our entire 0.35-acre lot?
Regrading that alters water flow or involves significant cut/fill typically requires a permit from St. Lucie County Planning & Development Services. The contractor must hold a valid Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation license, such as a Certified Landscape Contractor license, which ensures they are bonded and insured for earthwork on a property of this scale, protecting you from liability and substandard work.
Our yard stays soggy for days after summer rains. What's a permanent solution that won't fail inspection?
Seasonal saturation is typical with a high water table in sandy Spodosol soils. A graded French drain system channeling water away from foundations is often required. For new patios, using permeable coquina-style concrete pavers increases surface infiltration, helping meet St. Lucie County Planning & Development Services' stormwater runoff standards by reducing direct discharge into the community's drainage infrastructure.
Are coquina-style concrete pavers a better long-term choice than wood decking for our patio?
In Zone 10a, concrete pavers offer superior longevity, resisting moisture decay, termites, and salt air corrosion that plague wood. Their non-combustible nature also contributes to defensible space in this Moderate (WUI Zone 2) fire-risk area. With proper base installation, paver systems are durable, low-maintenance, and can be reconfigured if future grading work is needed.
Can we keep a St. Augustine lawn healthy under the current two-day-a-week watering restrictions?
Yes, with precise scheduling. Smart Wi-Fi ET-based controllers adjust runtime using real-time evapotranspiration data, applying water only when the turf needs it most. This technology maximizes each irrigation window under Phase 1 restrictions, promoting deeper root growth and drought tolerance in Floratam St. Augustine while conserving thousands of gallons annually versus traditional timer systems.
What should we do about the invasive vines choking our shrubs, especially during the summer fertilizer blackout?
Identify the specific invasive, such as Skunkvine or Air Potato. Manual removal of root systems is most effective. For persistent regrowth, a targeted, systemic herbicide applied via foliar spray in spring or fall—strictly outside the local ordinance blackout period from June 1 to September 30—can control the infestation without violating nutrient runoff restrictions, protecting the watershed.
Is there a lower-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative to our high-input St. Augustine grass?
Transitioning perimeter zones to a xeriscape of native plants like Firebush, Muhly Grass, and Coontie significantly reduces water, fertilizer, and weekly mowing demands. This biodiversity-focused landscape is inherently resilient, supports local pollinators, and pre-adapts your property to future potential restrictions on gas-powered blowers and mowers, aligning with evolving noise and emission ordinances.
Why does the soil in Lakewood Park Estates seem so thin and acidic, even after years of lawn care?
Homes built around 1988 sit on native acidic sandy Spodosol, a soil type common in this region. Over 38 years, repeated mowing and irrigation without organic amendment have likely compacted the topsoil layer and leached nutrients. This maturing landscape now requires core aeration and incorporation of composted organic matter to improve soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity, which are foundational for plant health.
How quickly can a crew respond for an emergency tree cleanup after a storm in Lakewood Park?
An emergency dispatch from our central staging area near Lakewood Park Regional Park can route via I-95 to reach Lakewood Park Estates within the 20-30 minute peak storm response window. This prioritizes safety by clearing downed limbs from driveways and structures to restore access and mitigate immediate property damage before secondary assessments begin.