PRESS RELEASES - MARCH 2009
March 27, 2009
City’s Green Lawn Care Tips Promote Healthy Landscapes, Environment
As spring approaches and the color of green returns to landscapes, the City of Arlington offers lawn care tips for protecting the environment and reducing costs associated with maintaining healthy grass, shrubs, flowers and gardens all summer long.
Green Lawn Care Tips:
Proper Mowing - One of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy lawn is proper mowing. Poor mowing practices can have many devastating effects. The three most common errors are improper cutting height, improper frequency of mowing and mowing with a dull blade. Get more details at www.arlingtontx.gov/environment.
Don’t Bag It - In an effort to reduce the burden on Arlington’s landfill, the city banned the curbside collection of grass clippings in 1993. Residents are encouraged to mulch mow. Leaving clippings on the lawn improves water retention and soil quality.
Protect Waterways - City ordinance prohibits grass clippings and leaves from being blown or swept into city streets and storm drains. The fine for blowing clippings into the streets and storms drains is $309 per violation. Violations may be reported to the city by calling 817-459-6777.
Water properly, conserve water. The following landscape watering tips are offered:
Avoid over-watering by continually monitoring your sprinkler schedule and conducting weekly inspection audits to make sure sprinkler heads are adjusted correctly.
Limit outdoor watering. Water before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Up to 30 percent of water released through irrigation or sprinkler systems is wasted during the day due to evaporation from the sun and wind.
Optimize summer water use and strengthen root systems. Water every 5-7 days to a depth of 1 inch. Get more wise watering tips at www.SaveTarrantWater.com.
Reduce water runoff. Program your irrigation controller to use the cycle and soak method. Water Bermuda grass on two 7-minute cycles with start times scheduled one hour apart.
Be aware. During Stage 1 Water Watch, landscape watering with sprinklers or irrigation systems may be limited to twice per week.
Use fertilizers sparingly. Too much product often contributes to water pollution. Consider organic fertilizers. Do not fertilize before a rainstorm.
Attend a free composting class. The City’s Master Composter teaches two free classes each month. Registration is not required. For details, visit www.arlingtontx.gov/environment.
