Slide 1 Earth-Kind

Landscaping Principles

Environmental Stewardship Program for the Urban Landscape

http://earthkind.tamu.edu/

Slide 2

“Quality landscaping that conserves water

and protects the environment.”

What is Earth-Kind Landscaping?

Earth-Kind is a landscape management system developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Slide 3 Objective

• Produce Quality Landscaping

• Combine Best of Organic

and Traditional Methods

• Maximize Enjoyment While

Protecting the Environment

The objective of EarthKind landscaping is to combine the best of organic and traditional gardening and landscaping principles to create a horticultural system based on real world effectiveness and environmental responsibility.

Slide 4

• Water Conservation

• Landscaping for Energy Conservation

• Reduction of Fertilizer and Pesticide Use

• Reduction of Yard Waste Entering Landfills

Goals

Earth-Kind Landscaping goals can have a very positive impact on our lives, our community, and our environment. Water Conservation In urban areas, at least 25% of the water used is for irrigation of our landscape. At least half of this water is used inefficiently – running off or evaporating before it can soak in – or is used to water high demand plants – plants that might not be well suited to this area. Energy Conservation When properly placed, plants and trees can create a microclimate that keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer – saving energy consumption and can save 10% to 40% of the money spent for energy usage. Reduce Fertilizer/Pesticide A healthy soil, combined with appropriate plant selections, can reduce the amount of fertilizers and pesticides needed. Fertilizer may be needed, but at the correct time and in the correct amount. Occasionally, pesticides, fungicides and weed-killer may also be needed – but again, at the correct time and in the correct amount. At least half of the nitrogen in fertilizer is lost. This fertilizer runoff can wash into surface water runoff and groundwater, causing algae blooms and the associated fish kills in ponds and creeks. Excess pesticide can kill plants, insects, and/or animals by overspray or runoff. Reduce Wastes Entering Landfills Yard waste contributes at least 13% of the material in our landfills. Composting at home, using a mulching mower, and using community services that grind limbs into mulch and/or make compost can help our current landfills last longer before we need to build another one. If used, Earth-Kind principles will have a positive influence on water usage, energy usage, fertilizer and pesticide usage, and landfills. And we want to accomplish one more thing – Earth-Kind can reduce the time you spend maintaining your landscape and increase the time you spend enjoying your landscape.

Slide 5

1. Planning and Design

2. Practical Turf Areas

3. Appropriate Plant

Selection

4. Soil Improvement

7 Basic Principles

5. Efficient Irrigation and

Rainwater Catchment

6. Effective Use of Mulches

7. Appropriate Maintenance

There are 7 basic principles of Earth-Kind Landscaping. We will discuss each of them.

Slide 6

• Efficient Water Use

• Reduce Supplemental Irrigation

• Control Storm Water Runoff

• Consider:

• Existing Contours

• Soil Properties

• Plant Materials

• Hardscape and

Impact of Water Use

1. Planning and Design

Landscape design can take advantage of existing contours, soil properties, plant materials, shade and water sources to get the most out of water efficiency by reducing supplemental irrigation and controlling storm water runoff. Further, the use of water catchment can replace the use of irrigation. Good landscape design considers the use of hardscape (sidewalks, porches, patios and decorative borders) with the impacts on water use in mind.

Slide 7 Getting Started

• Analyze the Site

• Light

• Drainage

• Utilities

• Functional Areas

• Lifestyle Requirements

• Maintenance

• Bubble Diagram

The first step to getting started is to analyze the site. With a notebook in hand, walk the property and identify the amount of sun and shade, wind direction, areas of poor drainage, views to enhance or block, existing trees, and location of utilities. Identify functional spaces such as play, entertainment, privacy and service areas compatible with your lifestyle. An often forgotten question is: “how much time and energy do you have to maintain the landscape?” After these issues have been addressed, create a bubble diagram incorporating this information.

Slide 8 Develop the Plan

• Budget

• Style and Personal Preferences

• Consult a Professional if Needed

A well-designed landscape brings pleasure to the owner, adds to the value of the property, enhances the surrounding community, and reduces environmental impact. After you have created your bubble diagram sketch the site in more detail. Know how much you have to spend on the project and create a budget. Consider the style of your home and personal preferences and match the landscaping to create a visual relationship between the house and the site. Consult a professional if you need to.

Slide 9 Finalize the Plan

• Hardscape

• Irrigation

• Plant Material

When finalizing the plan, consider the size and location of hardscape areas so that they are accessible and of sufficient size to accommodate furniture. Before any planting is installed, evaluate the need for irrigation in turf and planting beds. Plant material selection should be based on what is practical as well as decorative. A distinct advantage of working with a plan is that it can be implemented in phases according to your budget and time.

Slide 10 Plant Material• Hardiness

• Mature Size

• Light and Water

• Maintenance

• Reduce Turf

The design and placement of plant material not only has an impact on the final look of the landscape, but also on maintenance and the environment. When selecting plants, look for those that are hardy for the area and consider the plants mature size to reduce overcrowding and disease. Research the plants’ light and water requirements and group them accordingly. Properly placed plants anchor the home without hiding it. Take care in placing deciduous trees to conserve energy by shading structures in the summer and allowing warm sun in the winter. Be realistic in the time you have for maintenance. Wise plant selection can reduce the need for trimming, irrigation, fertilization, and application of pesticides. Consider reducing the amount of turf with planting beds or hardscaping. Turf requires the greatest amount of time, water and maintenance in the landscape.

Slide 11

• Plant Placement

• Maintenance Requirements

Plan Considerations

Planning, design, and installation is critically important to the long term maintenance of the landscape and to its impact on the environment. Plant Placement: When planning the placement of the plants consider the following: Location – Properly placed plants and structures can keep homes and surrounding areas warm in winter and cool in summer. Trees placed on either side of the house will protect the roof from sun without hiding the front of the house. Space – What will the mature plant size be? Follow guidelines for spacing to reduce disease and

competition. Light and Water – Know the plants’ light and water requirements and group them together. Maintenance Requirements: Making wise plant selections now will reduce the future need for mowing, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, and the application of pesticides. Consider reducing the amount of turf with planting beds or hardscaping. Turf requires the greatest amount of time, water and maintenance in the landscape.

Slide 12 2. Practical Turf Areas

In this photo, the turf is designed in an awkward way that makes mowing difficult. Changing the sharp angle to a sweeping curve will make it more attractive, make mowing easier and irrigation more efficient. Turfgrass areas provide a great place for children (and adults) to play games and sports or relax. It is a unifying influence for the entire landscape. Turfgrass areas soften noise, produce oxygen via photosynthesis, reduce air pollution, and allow rainwater to recharge the groundwater rather than running off. Turfgrass in high use areas will need some irrigation. The amount will depend on the variety chosen, recent rainfall amounts and temperature. Long, narrow areas and small, odd-shaped sites are difficult to irrigate efficiently.

Slide 13

• Appropriate Varieties

Reduce Irrigation Needs

• Irrigate as Needed

• Raising Mower Height

Reduces Evaporation

Making Turf

Environmentally Friendly

Selecting a single variety may not be an easy decision. Turfgrass in the sun requires more water and fertilizer than it needs in shade – assuming it will survive in the shade. If the landscape has mixed sun and shade, plan to irrigate the turfgrass in separate zones. - Incorporating 3” of organic matter before planting or sodding will allow the roots to grow deeper to more easily draw water and nutrients from the soil and will require much less maintenance in the long run. - We’ll discuss irrigation later, but plan to water deeply, letting the soil dry out before watering again. This may be more than once per week in the summer, but perhaps only once every two weeks in the spring and fall. - Some areas are hard to water – for example, long narrow strips. Consider a design using ground covers with low-water requirements there. - We’ll also discuss mowing later, but letting the turfgrass grow a little taller in the summer reduces water loss due to evaporation, requiring less watering. - A mulching mower returns the clipping to the lawn where they decompose, like compost, returning nutrients to the soil, reducing fertilizer requirements. - Thatch is a buildup of organic matter between the soil and grass leaves. To prevent thatch, water thoroughly and infrequently, fertilize only in the spring and fall, and mow more often.

Slide 14 Grass Selection

Grass Species

Shade

Tolerance

Water

Requirement

Traffic

Tolerance

Cold

Tolerance

Disease

Potential

St. Augustine High Medium Low Low High

Bermuda Very low Med.-Low High Medium Med.-Low

Buffalo Medium Very Low Medium High Low

Centipede Medium Medium Low Low-Med. Med.-Low

Tall Fescue High Medium Medium High Low

Zoysia japonica Med.-High Medium High High Med.-Low

Zoysia matrella Med.-High Medium Medium Medium Med.-Low

Grass Species

Mowing

Frequency

Mowing

Height

Fertility

Requirement

Leaf

Texture

Salinity

Tolerance

St. Augustine 5-7 days 2.5-4.0” Medium Coarse Medium

Bermuda 3-7 days 1.0-3.0” High Fine Med.-High

Buffalo 7-14 days 2.0-4.0” Low Fine Low

Centipede 7-14 days 1.5-2.5” Low Coarse Low

Tall Fescue 5-7 days 2.0-4.0” Medium Coarse Low

Zoysia japonica 7-10 days 1.0-2.5” Med.-Low Medium Med.-High

Zoysia matrella 5-7 days 0.75-2.5” Medium Fine Medium

This chart comes from the Aggie-Turf website shown in the references and is in the handout. In selecting grass for your site, match the type of grass with your requirements. Consider light, temperature and water requirements, as well as potential for disease and other problems. All grass needs at least four hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive; some need 8-10 or more hours of sun.

Slide 15 • Quality and Reliability of Plants

• Adaptability to Soil and Climate

3. Plant Selection

Well adapted plants are heat tolerant, drought tolerant, require minimal soil amendments and also need less fertilizer. Think about the old adage: “use the right plant for the right place”. Native and well-adapted plants are naturally adapted to our soil and climate, have lower water requirements, fewer pests, and less need for fertilization.

Slide 16

• Attracts and Benefits Native Wildlife

• Reduces Irrigation

• Reduces Fertilizers and Pesticides

Benefits of Native and

Well Adapted Plants

Native plants are beautiful and can be found in a wide variety of colors, textures, sizes, and shapes. Their beauty can be found in the form of flowers, foliage, and berries. Native plants exist naturally in the region, and have innate defenses against pests and diseases. Wildlife in the garden helps to balance the ecosystem by providing the appropriate predators for common garden pests, reducing the need for pesticides. Attracting butterflies, birds, and other wildlife enhances

the beauty and enjoyment of the garden. Native and well-adapted plants flourish on the natural rainfall in this area. Once established, these plants require little or no additional irrigation. Adding compost improves the soil, enhancing the health of plants. Native and well-adapted plants are better suited for the type of soil in which they grow, reducing the need for fertilizer. *Note – This might be a great opportunity to discuss the trial gardens that are ongoing at Myers Park.

Slide 17 Plant Information Sources

There are several good sources for plant recommendations in Texas listed in the References and the handout. Earth-Kind, SmartScape, Texas Superstar plants have been proven to be successful with little on no maintenance in field trials around Texas. The Earth-Kind plant selector is a useful tool (listed in the resources) to help you determine reliable plants for your specific zip code.

Slide 18

Mix of 50% Solids

25% Air

25% Water

Nutrient Rich

Teeming with Beneficial

Soil Microbes

4. Soil ImprovementWhat is Healthy Soil?

Our Clay Soil is Nutrient Rich But

Resists Releasing Nutrients and Air

Healthy soil is made up of 50% solid, 25% air and 25% water, is nutrient rich and teeming with beneficial soil microbes. The dense clay soil in North Texas is nutrient rich, but resists releasing nutrients and air. It has good water retention, so creating good drainage is important.

Slide 19

• Creates Healthy Microbial Activity

• Provides Adequate Drainage

• Begin With a Soil Test

Soil Improvement

FROM THIS TO THIS

Creating healthy soil promotes good microbial activity, attracts earthworms and brings the soil to life. Worms move in and break up the soil and micro-organisms thrive, converting nutrients into more usable forms. The results are plants that are healthier, have fewer diseases and pests, and require less fertilizer and pesticides. Friable (crumbly) soil allows rainwater to infiltrate into the ground, reducing storm water runoff. Landscape soils that hold too much water typically result in plants that have root health issues. Poor drainage creates a significant lack of air in the soil which can result in root disease, nutrient deficiencies, and ultimately plant death. Begin with a soil test. Information and kits are available at the Extension Office and online at the Texas A&M site listed in the reference section.

Slide 20

• Till or Spade the Soil 6 to 8 inches Deep

• Add 3 inches of Expanded Shale or Fully

Finished Plant Based Compost

• Till or Spade Again

• Add 3 inches of Compost

• Till or Spade Again

• Results in a 6-inch Raised Bed

• Crown the Bed to Improve Water Drainage

Soil Improvement Steps

Compacted, sticky, gumbo-like clay can be turned into a friable, fertile, mixture that holds water, but also lets excess water soak into the subsoil and into the water table. Fully finished plant based compost provides nutrients and changes the structure of the clay, binding with it so the clay doesn’t clump into those large, rock-hard clods. The steps to soil improvement are: (read the slide). Note: Expanded Shale is a gravel sized rock that is heated to the point that it expands like popcorn, leaving many air-holes. The fissures can facilitate air and water movement to benefit the plant roots. Expanded shale is expensive but only needs to be added one time. (Adding compost to sandy soil will help retain water.)

Slide 21 5. Efficient Irrigation

• When to Water

• How to Water

Do Not Water in the Rain

During our long, hot summers, when and how to water is important. Effective and efficient irrigation aids in the health of the plants and decreases the consumption of city water. It also reduces the excessive water run-off that can be detrimental to our lakes and streams. When preparing the plan, you placed like plants together for their light and water requirements and designed irrigation zones to suit the plant needs. Water only when needed. Use of a moisture meter or sticking your finger in the soil are methods to determine when water is needed. In planting beds, watch for a plant that is wilted in the morning or sooner than others; this may be an indication that you need to water. Early morning is the best time to water,

reducing evaporation and the possibility of plant diseases. Avoid watering when it is windy; water will be distributed unevenly and there will be a great deal of evaporation. Water your established lawn when it shows signs of water stress: foot-printing or dull gray-green appearance. One inch of water per week is usually sufficient for lawns. Slow, deep, infrequent watering is recommended for healthy plant root development. When watering with an automatic sprinkler system, use the soak and cycle method to water deeply and avoid water run off. Hand water ornamental beds if additional moisture is required. Note to Speaker: The soak and cycle method is performed by dividing the total length of watering time into two or three cycles. If you normally water a zone for 20 minutes, split it into two 10 minute cycles. Run through the cycle and then run the cycle again.

Slide 22

• Equipment Types

• Proper Zoning

• Sensors

• Irrigation Audits

Hand-watering, hose end sprinklers set at low volume, and drip irrigation are efficient methods of irrigation. Watering with an automatic sprinkler system can be efficient if used properly. Knowing how to program your controller will greatly reduce the need for irrigation water. Use the timer setting on manual; turn it on the night before and then turn it off after the cycle has completed. Only use what is necessary for the health of the plants. Check the system regularly for needed adjustments and change according to seasonal needs. New models of lower volume sprinklers have come on the market. They produce larger droplets of water, reducing evaporation and overspray. Change existing sprinkler heads with these low volume models for water conservation. Replace sprinkler heads with drip systems wherever possible. Drip systems or soaker hoses are ideal for water conservation, placing the water exactly where the plant needs it – the roots - and there is very little evaporation. Plant diseases can be avoided by keeping water off of the leaves, especially in the evening.

Place plants with similar needs together. For example, trees and shrubs, once established, have very different needs than turf or seasonal color plants. If grouped together according to water requirements, plants will be getting exactly what they need -- no more; no less. Program the irrigation control to accommodate the needs of the plants in the zones. Rain sensors are a must! To irrigate landscapes after a natural rain is very wasteful. There are other sensors that are also quite helpful to the homeowner. Freeze sensors will turn off a system during a freeze. Smart controllers use moisture probes to check the ground’s moisture level prior to turning on the irrigation system. Performing an irrigation audit on the system will check for breaks, leaks, and underperforming components. An audit will also check for adequate coverage and overspray. It is helpful to determine exactly how much water is being delivered to the landscape during an irrigation run. Check with your city to see if they offer irrigation audits.

Slide 23

• Rain Gardens

• Rain Barrels and

Cisterns

Rainwater Catchment

Rainwater use can significantly reduce reliance on city water and help with storm-water management; and rainwater is better for plants. Rain gardens are garden spaces that are created in low-lying areas on the property. Basins are dug and filled with water-absorbing materials such as compost and peat moss. The garden is planted with lush water-loving plants and the soil is covered by a thick layer of mulch. Rainwater is directed to the rain garden by way of underground tubing which is attached to the guttering system, or alternatively, the water can be directed toward the garden by using berms, gullies, and rock streams. Another way to encourage rainwater to remain on the property is to use porous hardscapes instead of solid concrete wherever possible. Porous hardscape

features used in driveways and patios can be very attractive. It is becoming quite popular to have a driveway that consists of a grid that alternates concrete tile and grass. Increase the amount of water in the landscape by capturing rain water. Rainwater is low in pH, minerals and salts and contains no chlorine. It can be used to hand water plants or in a drip irrigation system, using gravity flow or a pump. There are many creative ways to keep rainwater on the property and many people use a combination of these methods to manage storm water runoff. Rainwater management is good for the landscape, helps reduce city water for landscape use. It is also very good for the water supply and the aquatic life which depends on pure water.

Slide 24

• Reduces Evaporation

• Reduces Weeds

• Improves Rainwater

Infiltration

• Prevents Soil Erosion in

Heavy Rain

• Stabilizes Soil Temperature

• Reduces Fertilizer Needs

• Reduces Diseases

6. Effective Use of Mulch

The benefits of mulch are numerous and familiar to most gardeners. Organic mulches, including leaves, grass clippings, pine needles and shredded bark, cover the surface of the soil and protect it in many ways. Mulch moderates soil temperature, reduces evaporation losses, prevents crusting and improves infiltration of rainwater into the soil. Organic mulch slowly decomposes into humus. Earthworms work it deep into the soil, serving as a super-slow-release fertilizer. Replenish the mulch once or twice a year to maintain a 3” to 4” layer. A new coat of mulch gives a finished look to the landscape.

Slide 25

Keep mulch away from

tree trunks and plant stems.

Focus on the proper placement of mulch: away from tree trunks and plant stems. Mulch should form a donut around the base of trees and shrubs to allow air movement and avoid pathogens and insect damage to trees.

Slide 26

• Replenish Mulch

• Mow Turf Correctly

• Fertilize Properly

7. Appropriate

Maintenance Practices• IPM

• Control Weeds

• Maintain Irrigation System

Appropriate maintenance practices include replenishing mulch, mowing turf correctly, fertilizing properly, incorporating Integrated Pest Management, controlling weeds and maintaining irrigation systems. An added benefit of Earth-Kind landscaping is less maintenance - as much as a 50% reduction.

Slide 27

• Increases Grass Density and Root Growth

• Conserves Water

• Reduces Frequency of Mowing

Mow Turf at Correct Height

GRASS HEIGHT

(INCHES)

Buffalograss 2 to 4

St. Augustine

Tall Fescue

Centipede

2.5 to 4

2 to 4

1.5 to 2.5

Bermudagrass

Zoysiagrass

1 to 3

1 to 2.5

Mowing turf at the correct height according to variety increases grass density and root growth. The taller height promotes a deeper, more water efficient root system. Taller grass acts like a living mulch, shading the ground, thus reducing moisture evaporation from the soil. Also, grass that is allowed to grow taller grows slower, therefore needing less water and mowing. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn returns plant nutrients and organic matter. Since grasses continually interact with their environment the growth rate changes in response to environmental changes. Mowing practices may need to change accordingly. For example, during prolonged times of drought stress it may be advantageous to raise the mowing height and reduce the frequency of mowing.

Slide 28 Fertilize Properly

• Proper Timing and

Amount

• Slow Release

• Use As Indicated by

Soil Sample Results

• Keep Off Hardscape

and Out of Ground

Water

The best time to apply fertilizer to plants, trees and shrubs is in early spring before growth begins. Avoid fall fertilization as it will stimulate growth and possibly cause winter damage to tender growth. The best time to fertilize turf is in the spring after active growth begins and there is no danger of a freeze. The fall application of turf fertilizer is the most critical and should be applied when active growth slows.

Slide 29 Integrated Pest Management

• Cultural Control

• Biological Control

• Mechanical Control

• Chemical Control

Integrated Pest Management is a strategy of managing pests that is designed to meet individual goals in the most economically and environmentally sound manner possible using a combination of control tactics. Cultural control uses locally adapted or pest resistant varieties of plants, good sanitation and proper planting dates to avoid pests. Biological control protects, enhances or imports natural enemies of pests. Mechanical control is cultivation, trapping and pest exclusion. Chemical control is the last resort, using insect growth regulators, pheromones and biological/chemical pesticides. Earth Kind IPM is an important decision making process to determine the best options for managing insects, diseases and weeds in the landscape. Following the IPM approach can greatly reduce the environmental risks associated with the use of chemical pesticides.

Slide 30 Weed Control

Weeds are a problem in the home garden because they compete with desirable plants for water, nutrients, sunlight and air. They also harbor many insects and diseases.

Slide 31

Check System Performance

Make Appropriate Adjustments

Maintain Your Irrigation System

Once you’ve installed your irrigation system, you will want to protect your investment by maintaining it. Maintenance of an irrigation system includes seasonal check ups. Check for broken or cracked sprinkler heads or leaking valves. Weeping sprinkler heads may indicate a worn out valve. Adjust spray patterns to avoid spraying on sidewalks and streets. Check the controller or timer after losing power to be sure that the settings are correct.

Slide 32

1. Planning and Design

2. Practical Turf Areas

3. Appropriate Plant

Selection

4. Soil Improvement

5. Efficient Irrigation and

Rainwater Catchment

6. Effective Use of Mulch

7. Appropriate Maintenance

Follow these principles for a landscape that conserves water and energy, reduces fertilizer and pesticide use; and minimizes yard wastes from entering landfills. Utilizing Earth-Kind principles will create a beautiful landscape while protecting the environment.

Slide 33

• Earth-Kind: http://earthkind.tamu.edu

• General

• Collin County Master Gardeners: http://ccmgatx.org

• Texas A&M Horticulture: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu

• Urban Landscape Guide: http://urbanlandscapeguide.tamu.edu

• Soil Testing: http://soiltesting.tamu.edu

• Grasses

• Selection/Maintenance: http://aggieturf.tamu.edu/Answers4You

• Plants

• Earth-Kind Plant Selector: http://aggie-

horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/plantselector/

• Earth-Kind Roses: http://earthkindrose.tamu.edu

• Texas Superstar: http://texassuperstar.com

• Texas Smartscape: http://txsmartscape.com

Resources

The Earth-Kind website has over 20 useful documents available in Adobe PDF format to download.

Slide 34 The MASTER GARDENERS PROGRAM is a

volunteer organization affiliated with

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Master Gardeners:

• Receive training and

continuing education in horticulture

• Share their expertise

through a wide variety of projects

• Promote research-based horticultural practices

For horticulture information and services

972-548-4219 972-548-4232

http://ccmgatx.org mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of

socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability of national

origin.