Pruning requirements vary by plant species, design intent, and placement in the landscape. Pruning should only be done when necessary and at the right time of year. Use the 3-Cut Method when removing large or heavy branches to prevent the weight of…
Photo courtesy of Santa Rita Landscaping. Picture of landscape durecting runoff to a catch basin. Incorporating Sustainability into Hardscaping Hardscapes, which encompass paths, patios, walls, and other non-plant elements, provide structure and organization within a landscape. When implemented thoughtfully, hardscapes…
Turf Conversion/Reduction Projects As the drought continues, the challenges of maintaining a lush, green turfgrass increase. Higher water costs and water restrictions force the reevaluation of turfgrass areas. Many Arizona municipalities offer incentives for turf removal projects, and public perceptions…
Prepare our Landscapes to Survive Weather Extremes The past few months' weather conditions have reminded us of the importance and benefits of Sustainable Landscape Management® practices. Now that the temperatures are at least ten degrees lower and humidity has increased, we…
To overseed or not to overseed? That is the question. In the Phoenix valley of the sun and other parts of Arizona, we are blessed (or cursed?!) with this decision each year as summer starts to wane. Recent declared water shortages,…
When it comes to landscape irrigation, there are two main options for scheduling water usage: using a smart controller… or “smartly programming” a standard controller. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to understand the differences between…
Leaf Blowing Etiquette We have all been awakened by a leaf blower in the neighborhood at one time or another. This essential tool in maintaining a tidy property can also become an annoyance if not used properly. Noise aside, the…
An Eradication Priority species of the Sonoran Desert Cooperative Weed Management Area (SD-CWMA) By Kim Franklin, Conservation Science Manager, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum By the time you read this, dense stands of bright green stinknet, with its striking yellow flowers, will…
Most, if not all, landscaping plants in arid environments require supplemental water to survive and thrive. So, making sure that drip emitters or bubblers are properly located near plants and that the irrigation system functions properly are essential tasks for…
Click here for the PDF Have you ever strolled by plants and noticed something’s been munching on the leaves? Or maybe there’s a mysterious brown spot in a tree that seemed to develop overnight? Sometimes plant pests come and go in a…
