Yard Care

CANAL EDGE PROTECTION

Plants along canal edges help to filter stormwater runoff by absorbing runoff fertilizer and pesticides. They also stabilize soil and reduce erosion. Given the usual slopes and soil conditions in this area, fertilizer placed on plants within 50 feet of a canal can end up in that canal.

Keep compost piles away from edges. These piles have nutrients that could leach out during storms, runoff into canals and cause excessive plant and algae growth.

Maintaining swales also keeps canals clean. Swales retain water, which is then filtered before it goes into canals or groundwater. Swales need to stay sodded to prevent erosion, Parking cars, etc on swales or vacant lots repeatedly leads to erosion. All the eroded sand and dirt ends up going into storm drains outfall pipes, and then into canals.

FERTILIZERS AND PESTICIDES

Apply fertilizers and pesticides sparingly. These materials can easily wash into the canal, and lead to problems. Any kind of yard clippings should be used for compost or placed outside for pickup. Leave grass clippings on the lawn for nutrient value. Do not dump them into the canal. They will decompose and use up oxygen needed by fish.

Consider using mulch or compost as alternatives to commercial fertilizers. Besides providing nutrients, these materials also retain moisture around roots, thus less need for irrigation. Choose plants that don't generally need fertilizers or pesticides. Native species tend to be hardier than exotic ones (thus easier to care for)

Before discarding, rinse pesticide and fertilizer contains thoroughly, and use the rinseate on the plant or area.

IRRIGATION

To estimate the amount of water going on the yard, place 5-10 straight-sided containers (3"-6" in diameter), in random zones for an in-ground irrigation system, or in equal intervals in a line from the sprinkler to the edge of the water pattern for a hose-end sprinkler. Turn on the water for 15 minutes. measure the water depth in each container. Determine the average depth of water (sum of depth divided by number of containers). Multiply by four to determine the irrigation rate per hour. use the chart to find out how long to water your lawn; established grass needs water twice a week or less. Generally, grass needs about 1" a week. During dry periods (April/May), it may need 1 1/2". Even if you have the dual water system, you should still save water whenever possibly.

PESTICIDE ALTERNATIVES

It is possible to control some pests without pesticides. Some bugs can be removed by hand-picking, or by spray from the hose. You can buy BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) for control of leaf-eating caterpillars. Soap or oil sprays are effective against aphids and whiteflies. Other remedies include beer for slugs and snails, organic powders (i.e. diatomaceous earth, boric acid) for roaches and flees, and salt for weeds and grasses in sidewalk cracks. For further information, contact your office or your extension office. (See Appendix)