Ideas for Attracting Wildlife, Controlling Undesirable Wildlife, Further Reading on Attracting Wildlife

Right Plant, Right Place for Landscaping, Water Efficiency, Maximize Mulch & Recycle Yard Waste, Fertilize Effectively, Manage Yard Pests, Protect Surface Waters and Wetlands, Provide for Beneficial Wildlife Habitat

When it comes to home landscaping, many gardeners remain confused about how to create whatthey want. Efforts at landscaping can be disappointing despite spending a substantial amount of money. The important thing to remember is that developing an attractive, properly functioning landscape is best done using a process.

Many of Louisiana’s water resources are especially susceptible to pollution because of our unique geology and climate.

A sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks.

Fertilizing can be done by applying composted organic material, packaged fertilizer or a specific mineral, such as iron.

A mulch layer around trees, shrubs, planted beds and covering bare ground provides many benefits.In areas that are difficult to mow, irrigate or otherwise maintain, use mulch to replace turf orgroundcovers. Also consider placing mulch in shady areas where plants don’t grow well.

Landscape maintenance activities — mowing, pruning, raking — generate yard waste that you can return to the soil, recycling valuable nutrients. It is easy to recycle yard waste.

Micro-irrigation systems deliver small volumes of water directly to the root zone throughlow-flow-rate emitters, such as micro-spray jets, bubblers or drip tubes.

Irrigation should be set to run in the early hours. Morning water pressure is usually better; foliage will have time to dry before the evening dew or afternoon showers set in.

Reduce the need for watering by choosing water-efficient and drought-tolerant plants, includingthose native to your site, and plant them in the right place.