TxDOT supports "Texas SmartScape® Month"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; March 1, 2006

Variety of tips offered to area homeowners

With current drought conditions impacting North Central Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Dallas District is teaming up with local governmental agencies and offering information on how residents can maintain healthy lawns and gardens.

The effort is part of the fifth annual "Texas SmartScape® Month" program held each March.

According to TxDOT, the purpose of Texas SmartScape® is to educate the public on the ecological, economic and aesthetic benefits of using plants, shrubs, grasses and trees that are native or adapted to regional climate and conditions.

Texas SmartScape® has helped homeowners learn to use plants that require less water, fertilizers, and pesticides to beautify their yards. A web tool for the program provides information on landscape design and maintenance, as well as a database that includes plants and trees that will thrive under drought conditions.

As part of the SmartScape® program, a variety of tips are offered to area homeowners. Some of those tips include:

• Watering lawns and gardens between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to avoid the loss of irrigation;
• Using three inches of organic mulch in bed areas to reduce watering frequency;
• Leaving grass clippings on the lawn to help maintain moisture; and
• Avoiding over watering lawns.

Interested residents may learn more about using native and adapted plants by attending community events planned for the yearly celebration or by visiting www.txsmartscape.com. 

To find local events and more information on landscaping projects please visit www.nctcog.org.

For More Information Contact: Chris Tolar Environmental Specialist at (214) 320-6266 or Jim Crisp Environmental Specialist at (214) 320-6233.