CITY OF MANSFIELD STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
TEXAS SMARTSCAPE
What Is Smartscape?
Texas SmartScape is a collaborative program developed by several agencies in the North Central Texas region. The purpose of the program is to provide tools for understanding the ecological, economic and aesthetic benefits of using landscaping plants, shrubs, grasses and trees that are native or adapted to our regional climate and local conditions.
The goal of the program is to conserve local water supplies and improve stormwater runoff quality by reducing the amount of water needed to maintain landscapes while decreasing the amounts of pesticide, fertilizer and herbicides used in landscaping practices.
What Does Smartscape Mean?
SmartScape is simply a way to reduce the impact of urban development by selecting and designing landscapes that utilize native and adaptive plants. Following the principles of SmartScape, landscapes can be designed that are attractive, require less water, pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, and attract local wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds.
Native and adaptive plants can thrive in the types of conditions we have come to expect in the North Central Texas area. Since they have developed in these conditions, they do not require the amount of support exotic species do. This saves time and money once the plants are established.
How Can I Smartscape My Lawn Or Landscape?
Designing a new lawn or landscape takes some time and effort. A website detailing the steps to SmartScape your lawn or landscape is hosted by the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
To prepare a design layout, it is necessary to learn a bit about your lawn or landscape. The amount of light different areas receive, how well the area drains, the type of soil, and many other factors affect the types of plants that will thrive in different locations.
The SmartScape website contains very useful information for designing the new lawn or landscape yourself, or for being able to communicate with someone designing your lawn or landscape for you. The website also includes tips on how to prepare your lawn and care for the plants to encourage success for those interested in doing it all themselves.
The end product is an attractive lawn or landscape that is very low maintenance, requires less effort, helps reduce water pollutants, and attracts wildlife. The reductions in water use, fertilizers, and pesticides and herbicides also lead to savings in your pockets.
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