Earth-Kind · Applying fertilizer to the lawn at the proper time and in the proper amount can save...
Transcript of Earth-Kind · Applying fertilizer to the lawn at the proper time and in the proper amount can save...
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Earth-Kind Landscaping
“A healthy environment starts
in your own backyard.”
Earth-Kind Landscaping
"Earth-Kind" focuses on conserving and
protecting natural resources through the
use of environmentally friendly practices.
This can involve everything from proper
landscape water management to the safe
handling and use of pesticides.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Earth-Kind strives to assist clientele in:
• Reducing irrigation water use
• Reducing pesticide use (both chemical and organic)
• Reducing fertilizer misuse to prevent contamination of soils and
surface and groundwater
• Reducing yard wastes entering landfills
• Reducing air and noise pollution with proper landscape practices
Earth-Kind principles
• Planning and design
• Soil analysis and preparation
• Practical turf areas
• Appropriate plant selection
• Efficient irrigation
• Use of mulches
• Appropriate maintenance
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Quality landscaping that conserves
water and protects the environment.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Earth-Kind Landscaping
http://earthkind.tamu.edu
Accountability in government…AgriLife Extension
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Earth-Kind principles
• Planning and design
• Soil analysis and preparation
• Practical turf areas
• Appropriate plant selection
• Efficient irrigation
• Use of mulches
• Appropriate maintenance
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Water is a critical natural resource
in Texas.
Use of drinking water for
landscape use is a focus of Earth
Kind.
In many urban areas, as much as
25 percent of the water supply is
used for landscape irrigation.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
A common statistic for Texas
residential water use is:
The average water use for a
residence in January is 6,000
gallons of water….in July, it is
16,000 gallons.
The difference is landscape
irrigation.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
The Human Factor
The Human Factor
Earth-Kind principles
• Planning and design
• Soil analysis and preparation
• Practical turf areas
• Appropriate plant selection
• Efficient irrigation
• Use of mulches
• Appropriate maintenance
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Planning and design
Creating a water-efficient landscape
begins with a well-thought-out
landscape design.
Consult design professionals when
needed.
Design for low maintenance, energy
and water conservation, and life style.
A landscape design can be
implemented gradually over several
years.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Soil analysis and preparation
A soil test is recommended to
determine existing soil pH and
nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)
levels, plus other nutrients.
Based on this analysis, proper
fertilization can be determined and
applied, if needed.
Fertilizer nutrients, particularly
nitrogen and phosphorus, can pollute
surface and groundwater (N & P) and
contaminate soils (P).
Earth-Kind Landscaping
To increase plant health and
conserve water, add organic matter
to soil of shrub and flower beds and
vegetable gardens.
As a rule-of-thumb, till 6 inches of
organic material into landscape beds
and planting areas.
For tree planting, no soil preparation
is recommended.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Appropriate plant selection
Texas has an abundance of beautiful
native plants which are naturally
adapted to the state. Most of these
plants have lower water demands,
fewer pest problems and less fertilizer
needs than many non-adapted plants.
Combining Texas natives with well-
adapted non-natives, is a key to a
beautiful, quality landscape which
conserves water and protects the
environment…non-natives include
crape myrtles, old-fashioned roses,
oleanders, and more.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Earth-Kind Roses – tough, disease-resistant, and beautiful
Belinda’s dream
Caldwell pink
Knock out
Carefree beauty
Mutabilis
Climbing pinkie
Marie Daly
and more…….
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Turfgrass selection
It is important to note that
turfgrass is the highest user of
irrigation water in the
landscape, and requires more
frequent maintenance than
most other landscape plants.
To reduce lawn water use,
consider:
Species choice
Lawn size
Management level
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Turfgrass selection
• Management level – “brown is a color too”
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Hydro-zone the plant selections
Natural rainfall
Occasional watering
Regular watering
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Practical turf areas
The easiest way to define this
concept is to define “impractical” turf
areas; long, narrow strips of turf that
are difficult to irrigate and maintain.
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Lawn alternatives
• Groundcovers
• Flower and shrub plantings
• Decks and patios
• Vegetable gardens
• Mulched areas
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Lawn alternatives – Maybe no lawn at all
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Lawn alternatives – Be careful
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Efficient irrigation
The greatest waste of water in the
landscape comes from applying too much
too often.
The age-old questions remain:
When to water?
How long?
Earth-Kind Landscaping
When to water?
When the lawn shows signs of water stress – foot printing, dull
gray-green appearance.
In flower beds, use an
indicator plant that will
wilt readily due to lack
of water… (periwinkle
or hibiscus)
If in doubt, use your
moisture meter – your
index finger.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
How long to water? some may never learn
Earth-Kind Landscaping
How long to water? some may not need to
Earth-Kind Landscaping
How long to water?
Apply 1 inch of water to the lawn as rapidly as possible without
runoff. Test how long this takes.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Time clocks: a double - edged sword
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Zoned irrigation system
Drip irrigation – use it
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Hose - end sprinklers
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Rainwater harvesting…
back to the future
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Use of Mulches
Highest impact, lowest tech water
conservation practice.
Mulch conserves water by
reducing moisture evaporation
from the soil.
Mulch also reduces weed
populations, prevents soil
compaction, and keeps soil
temperatures more moderate.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Appropriate maintenance
An added benefit of an Earth Kind
landscape can be less maintenance.
Follow the six previously described
Earth Kind principles and the seventh
becomes much less difficult and time
consuming.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Irrigation system maintenance
Make sure the sprinkler heads are adjusted
properly to avoid watering sidewalks and
driveways.
Properly adjust sprinkler heads to spray
large droplets of water instead of a fog of
fine mist which is more susceptible to
evaporation and wind drift.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Proper mowing height and timing
Mowing the lawn at the proper height
can reduce mowing frequency and
conserve water.
Cut off no more than 1/3 of the lawn
height at any mowing.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Proper Fertilizing
Applying fertilizer to the lawn at
the proper time and in the proper
amount can save time, effort, and
money through reduced mowing
and watering.
Most important, proper
application of fertilizers reduces
the chance of contaminating soil
and surface and ground water
supplies.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Pest management
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
to properly manage landscape and lawn
pests, including insects, diseases, and
water-demanding weeds.
The goal of IPM is not to eliminate all
pests, but to manage them at acceptable
levels in the lawn and garden.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
By following the
guidelines and
practices described,
you can proudly create
your own
Earth Kind landscape.
Earth-Kind Landscaping
Earth-Kind…protecting and preserving today’s resources for the future.
Earth-Kind Landscaping