Water-wise Garden Tour

Texas Discovery Gardens

Appropriate Maintenance

 

Less than 5% of insects reach a problem level. Biological pest controls such as lady-bugs, lacewings, praying mantids and Bacillus thuringiensis (BT is a soil dwelling bacteria commonly used as an organic pesticide) and horticultural controls, such as mulching for weed control in landscaped areas, are highly recommended versus chemical applications, especially along sensitive waterways. Only use chemical applications as a last resort, consider organic pest control such as insecticidal soaps and manual weed pulling should be used.  

A properly implemented Water-wise landscape can decrease maintenance by as much as 50 percent through reduced mowing, once-a-year mulching, elimination of weak and un-adapted plants and more efficient watering techniques. Mowing is one of the most time-consuming maintenance tasks.

Proper mowing heights can help use less water. Grass cut too short is stressed and dries out quickly. Instead, mow the grass when it is about 1/3 higher than the recommended mowing height; Bermuda - 1 inch, St. Augustine - 3 inches, Buffalo grass - 2 inches, Zoysia - 1 inch.

 Perform Appropriate Maintenance

A properly implemented water-wise landscape helps reduce maintenance.

1. Proper landscape maintenance preserves and enhances a water-wise landscape.

2. Proper mowing of grasses helps conserve water and energy. Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade and leave clippings on the lawn.

3. Inspect all irrigation equipment monthly. Adjust sprinkler systems for optimum conservation.

4. Eliminate small weeds through manual pulling before they grow a deep root system or germinate seeds.

5. Prune plant materials to maintain health and appearance (form and size).

6. Avoid topping of trees which opens them to the possibility of disease and a shorter life span.

7. Perform insect and disease control with an environmentally friendly product.