As our communities expand, we lament the loss of birds and other wildlife, but often our own yards are partly to blame. You can provide habitat for wildlife in your landscape.

A responsible and environmentally friendly approach to pest management is Integrated Pest Management.

Diseases occur on landscape plants when environmental conditions are suitable for pathogens to develop on them. Prevention is the key to management.

Weeds are the No. 1 pest in Louisiana lawns. They are in direct competition with lawns for essential nutrients, water and light.

Adequate soil moisture is essential for a thriving landscape. Providing uniform moisture is critical for most plants to prevent drought stress during dry periods.

Fertilizers provide mineral elements needed for plant health. 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 bare ground provides many benefits.

Developing an attractive, properly functioning landscape is best done using a process.

The goal is to encourage homeowners to create and maintain landscapes in ways that minimize environmental damage/impact through educational programs and outreach activities.

The goal is to encourage homeowners to create and maintain landscapes in ways that minimize environmental damage/impact through educational programs and outreach activities.