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

2. Our two lakes: Ray Roberts and Lewisville

3. How bad was the 2011 drought? October 2011

4. 2012: a little better May 2012

5. 2013: drought again May 2013

7. Our two lakes: plenty for a while

8. But then we have to go farther afield

9. That means politics and money

10. Conservation vs Efficiency

13. Sprinkler Timers!

14. A few ideas

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

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

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

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

19. High tech: Evapotranspiration

20. TexasET.tamu.edu or www.cityofdenton.com/waterutilities

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

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

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

24. 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

25. Don’t keep up with the Joneses

26. Contact me so we can visit Joel Nickerson 940-349-7108 joel.nickerson@cityofdenton.com www.cityofdenton.com/waterutilities

27. Denton’s Watersheds

28. How are lawncare practices currently impacting our watershed?

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

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

34. Questions? Visit www.cityofdenton.com/watershedwww.cityofdenton.com/watershed Email watershed@cityofdenton.comwatershed@cityofdenton.com Call 940-349-7141 Find us on Facebook by searching for City of Denton Watershed Protection