It is far too common to see trees that are entirely too large for the yards they occupy. When trees with mature canopies reaching 30 foot or greater (like Ficus or Chilean mesquite) are planted in tiny front or narrow side yards, the amount of pruning needed to keep the trees a manageable size is overwhelming. Not only is it …
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PROPER PLANTING OF WINTER GRASS Preparing to overseed your summer bermudagrass with ryegrass for a winter lawn? You’re way too early. That’s just one of the warnings offered by turfgrass researchers at the University of Arizona’s Maricopa County Cooperative Extension program. Overseeding now could leave large bare patches in your Bermuda lawn next summer. Avoid these three common mistakes for …
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With more and more stories coming out in recent years about the importance of making eco-friendly changes to our homes, it’s a good idea to look for ways to reduce and conserve that will be sustainable in the long term. Saving water is a great example. This is especially true for homes in the Southwest, particularly in states like Arizona, …
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Environmentalism has become far more than a passing fad in recent decades; it has become a way of life and a necessity in the modern world. Homeowners and businesses from around the world are increasingly embracing the eco-friendly lifestyle in the hopes of contributing to the fight against climate change and driving down their living costs in the process. And …
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Ten miles southwest of Flagstaff along Woody Mountain Road, out beyond the Arboretum, lies Rogers Lake. It’s a lake only ephemerally, during springs with heavy snow runoff. At these times, the lake also draws in waterfowl and eagles. More often, and especially this year, Rogers is grassy and wildflowery grazing land for cattle and elk. Coconino County owns more than …
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Growing up in Florida, surrounded by water, I’ve always enjoyed the many recreational opportunities on its lakes, rivers, springs, and beaches. Spending so much time in such beautiful and pristine surroundings instilled in me an appreciation for the natural environment, as well as a sense of its fragility and need for its preservation. These feelings persist, perhaps even more strongly, …
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The summer rainy season is here, making it a great time to get out in the garden and do some planting! For many seed varieties in the Native Seeds/SEARCH collection, this is a traditional time to plant. The monsoons allow for a second summer season after crops planted in March and early April have matured and been harvested. These varieties …
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Buying a new home or remodeling an existing one offers an opportunity to improve the comfort, health, and performance of your home by incorporating energy efficiency improvements, water savings, and indoor environmental enhancements. The following tips will help you make informed decisions, whether you’re planning to buy a new home or remodel your existing one. Choose or create the right …
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Water harvesting is the capture and storage of rainfall to irrigate plants or to supply people and animals. It is one of the oldest known gardening methods. Water harvesting dates back to the beginning of agriculture. In the desert southwest, Tohono O’odham, and Hopi tribes still harvest rainwater after the onset of summer and winter rain. Did you ever play in rainwater as a child, building earth dikes and letting them go? …
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If you’re looking to Celebrate AZ Water in cooler temperatures, there is a fascinating area located in Kachina Village approximately nine miles south of Flagstaff in Northern Arizona. What is the Pumphouse County Natural Area? Pumphouse County Natural Area encompasses 125 acres and includes a spring-fed wetland and one of the rarest wildlife habitats in Arizona. This area forms the …
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July is Smart Irrigation Month, so that means that summer is a great time to learn about controlling your irrigation timer. Just because you have one hanging on the side of your house or in the garage doesn’t mean you can set it and forget it! Unless you have a ‘smart controller,’ you’ll need to make periodic changes to the watering …
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Technology – mobile phones, laptops, iPads, and the associated programs and websites – can help to make our lives easier. And now you can put that technology to use to learn about water and water conservation. There is something for everyone, from tracking your water use and finding and fixing leaks to being a scientist for a day by collecting …
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