In your yard, there are a number of things you personally can do to accept the State of Texas Challenge in improving environmental conditions in and around your home. Here is a list to begin that process:

Try Composting - Yard trimmings usually make up 20% of the waste generated by Texans each year. Instead of throwing them out with the garbage, you can recycle these materials by composting them. Compost can serve as a soil conditioner that will help improve your garden and reduce your water usage. Secondarily by using mulch and compost on lawns and gardens, Texans may be able to reduce the need for outdoor watering by as much as 30% to 60%.

Collect and Use Rainwater - Lawn and garden watering are a nationwide issue for water use. Outside watering makes up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer or growing months. By collecting rainwater for use on your lawn, plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs during the peak summer months, you can save up to 1,300 gallons of water. If all Texas households collected rainwater for their watering needs, we could keep more than 10 billion gallons of water in our aquifers, lakes, and rivers.

Use Native Plants - Did you know that plants that are native to Texas have natural beauty, and they typically require less water, pesticides, fertilizers, and maintenance, saving you time and money? The deep root systems of many native plants increase the soil's capacity to store water and reduce runoff. In addition native plants attract a variety of birds and butterflies by providing diverse habitats and food sources. Consider these for replacements for your usual color.

Plant Shade Trees - You may want to consider planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your house and around your air conditionerfor several reasons. First, deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter, and secondly, they can save you energy by keeping your home shady and cool in the summer. It's a fact that they allow the sun to shine through windows to warm your home in the winter. Just three properly placed deciduous trees around your house can save an average household between $100 and $250 in heating and cooling costs each year. You may see up to $175 worth of annual savings.

Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn - You can ask us to allow grass clippings to remain on the yard after mowing; they can act as a slow-release fertilizer to your lawn while helping to retain moisture in the soil. This reduces the need for watering and can eliminate the need for fertilizer. Plus, it helps keep fertilizers out of storm drains and as a result, out of rivers, lakes, and bays.

Pick Up Pet Poop - Pet waste contains bacteria that can run off your lawn and contaminate our streams, lakes, and bays. Managing pet waste helps keep our watersheds safer and cleaner. Resolve to scoop up after your pet. Reuse those plastic grocery bags to scoop the poop and toss them in the garbage.

Use Fewer and Better Pesticides and Fertilizers - Surprising as it may seem, residential users apply more pounds per acre of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers than farmers. This often results from the assumption that more is better. The truth is that routine watering or a rainstorm can wash away the chemical excess, thereby wasting your money and endangering nearby waterways. Less toxic, equally effective substitutes exist. It is very important to your health and the environment to always apply pesticides and fertilizers according to the label's directions, and to use only the recommended amount. Ask us today how we can use natural types of products for your lawn care.

Avoid Over-Watering Your Lawn - Watering too heavily or too often weakens your lawn, causes erosion, and results in serious runoff pollution. A general rule is to water one inch once a week, when needed. To measure, place an empty 6-ounce tuna can on your lawn and stop watering when it is full. Watering in the morning will save water from being evaporated by the midday heat. That will save you money on your water bill, too!

You may be aware of some special things you would like for Lawn Connections to use when we come out for special types of services in maintaining your lawn. Give us a call today, we can help you to accept the challenge the State of Texas has extended to us all. 877-414-LAWN (5296), call us today!