{"id":112,"date":"2013-05-13T16:06:49","date_gmt":"2013-05-13T21:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/agrilife.org\/highlandbayou\/?page_id=112"},"modified":"2016-04-26T14:39:03","modified_gmt":"2016-04-26T19:39:03","slug":"lawn-care","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/agrilife.org\/highlandbayou\/actions-matter\/lawn-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Landscaping and Lawn Care"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"lawn<\/a><\/p>\n

When the waterway is not physically next to your property, it can be hard to remember that what you do on your lawn will affect the Bayou. Water from rain, irrigation, and sprinklers flows from your lawns and into storm drains before reaching the bayous. This runoff is NOT treated by sewage plants and it flows untreated into Galveston’s bayous and eventually the Bay. This means that excess fertilizer and pesticides, lawn clippings, pet waste, lawn waste, septic system seepage, and spilled oils and paints flow from your property and into the Bayou.<\/p>\n

\"lawntogulf\"<\/a><\/p>\n

If you think that your contribution to water pollution is insignificant, remember to add up your runoff to that of your neighbors and the entire community. The result is RUNOFF POLLUTION:<\/strong>\u00a0the #1 source of water pollution in America’s waterways, more than from sewage and industrial facilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"best<\/a><\/p>\n

WaterSmart Landscapes<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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WaterSmart landscapes utilize plants and practices that require less water plus little to no fertilizers or pesticides. The best plants are plants that are native to Texas and able to withstand dry and wet spells, along with the long hot summers. WaterSmart landscapes also incorporate water conserving principles into home or commercial landscaping and are estimated to cut about half of the water used for conventional landscaping practices.<\/p>\n

Water Harvesting\/Rain Barrels<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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Water harvesting is the act of capturing, diverting, and storing rainwater for later use. Captured rainwater is often used in landscaping, because the water is free of salts (some wells produce salty water) and other harmful minerals and does not have to be treated. Rain is free and clean. \u00a0Water harvesting directly benefits you and the community by saving you money on your water bill, reducing demand on the water supply, and reducing run-off, erosion, and contamination of surface water.<\/p>\n

Making a rain barrel can be an easy and fun way to harvest water. Follow the steps in this guide<\/a> and you’ll be well on your way to saving money and water.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Rain Gardens<\/a><\/strong>:\"rain<\/a><\/p>\n

A bowl-shaped depression designed as a garden that holds and absorbs stormwater from a roof, sidewalk, parking lot, lawn or street. Rain gardens slow the flow of water, allowing the water to seep downward into the soil, while cleaning the water before it enters the storm drain and empties into our bays and bayous. Many species of Texas plants can be found at plant nurseries that thrive in wet-dry conditions.<\/p>\n

To learn how to get started on a rain garden, read this\u00a0guide<\/a> offered by AgriLife Extension. To view a recommended list of plants for rain gardens in Texas, visit the Rain Garden Plant List<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Proper Usage of Chemicals and Pesticides<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n

To prevent harmful effects to your family and the environment,\u00a0choosing the appropriate pesticide<\/a> and using it correctly is essential. Another important thing to consider is the\u00a0storage and proper disposal<\/a> of chemicals and pesticides.<\/p>\n

Remember: Make sure you truly need pesticides before you use it. Most pest issues are a sign of an underlying problem and can usually be solved without chemicals. To read more about managing pests visit<\/em> EPA’s page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n