Low-Impact Lawn Care Sustainable practices to reduce water use and save money Joel Nickerson Mendie Schmidt Water Utilities Coordinator Storm Water Specialist

Our two lakes: Ray Roberts and Lewisville

How bad was the 2011 drought? October 2011

2012: a little better May 2012

2013: drought again May 2013

Our two lakes: plenty for a while

But then we have to go farther afield

That means politics and money

Conservation vs Efficiency

Sprinkler Timers!

A few ideas

Know your sprinkler Tuna can test Or Water audit Irrigation checkups are on hold for now

Know your schedule Check runtimes not an hour at a time Check frequency not every day

Low tech: Don’t schedule your sprinkler Wilting grass and your button finger

No sprinkler system? Water timer 1" for 1,000 sq ft is 625 gallons

High tech: Evapotranspiration

TexasET.tamu.edu or

Tree Watering Water to the drip line Water 6-8"

More easy Water when it’s dark Mow a little higher Mulch

Want to get your hands dirty? Smart plant and design choices TxSmartScape.com

A Few Rules Don’t water 10 am – 6 pm Don’t water when it rains Don’t water the street Do fix broken sprinkler heads

Don’t keep up with the Joneses

Contact me so we can visit Joel Nickerson

Denton’s Watersheds

How are lawncare practices currently impacting our watershed?

Soil Testing is key! Which soil amendments should be added? Which type of fertilizer is best? Which plants will grow best in my soil type? For more information, visit: – soiltesting.tamu.edu

Weeds Do: – Hand weed when possible – Use organic or “least toxic” alternatives when possible – Mow prior to weeds going to seed Don’t: – Over apply herbicides (follow package directions!) – Use the wrong products for the job – Apply herbicides to paved areas

Pests Do: – Use organic options or beneficial insects/organisms where possible (ladybugs, preying mantis, nematodes) – Follow package instructions when using any pesticides Don’t: – Overapply pesticides – Apply pesticides where they may contact water

Turf Do: – Know your soil type and choose the most appropriate fertilizer type – Select alternatives like compost/Dyno Dirt – Build a healthy root system with proper watering – Plant the right kind of turf for your lawn (shade vs sun) – Choose native alternatives Don’t – Overfertilize – Overwater – Blow lawn clippings into the storm drain

Dyno Dirt Dyno Lite Dyno Dirt Dyno Soil Dyno Deco-Colored Mulch Dyno Landscape Mulch Dyno Double Grind

Questions? Visit Call Find us on Facebook by searching for City of Denton Watershed Protection