Valle Verde Project

Design Tips

1)	Inventory your yard. Develope a plan around drought tolerant plants that may already exist in your yard.
2)	Don't remove native plants that require little maintenance or watering unless you can't work them into your design.
3)	Texas One Call System 1-800-245-4545 Contact all utility companies in your area more than 48 hours in advance to starting your project so they can locate any hazards that may exist in your yard. This service exists by law and is provided for your safety and protection.
4)	Reduce turf areas with native plants, and replace St. Augustine grass (in full sun locations) with grasses such as Buffalo, Bermuda, or Zoysia.
5)	Before installing plants, know their height at maturity. A small sapling may grow to 40 or 50 feet in height. This can cause major problems near over head utility lines.	1-800-245-4545
6)	Plant to create a multitiered presentation at key focal points in the landscape area. Providing tall, medium, and short plants grouped together in a tiered arrangement is both appealing to the eye as well as wildlife.
7)	Include evergreen plants in your design. They keep their leaves year-round offering cover for wildlife throughout the year.
8)	Choose a selection of plants that bloom or fruit at various times of the year, so there is always food for wildlife. Supplement with clean bird feeders if natural food sources are lacking or becoming established.
9)	Add a water source to your landscape. It's important to offer clean water to wildlife year-round. Water can be provided easily in the form of a simple pan, birdbath, or shallow pool.
10)	Snags, which are dead or dying trees, can be left standing to provide cavity nesting sites. Supplement with nest boxes when natural tree cavities are lacking.
11)	Install berms or mounds, and use curved lines to add interest. Rock walls and logs can be attractive features while providing homes for butterflies, lizards, and other small wildlife.
12)	Planting in the cool season (late fall or early spring ) will allow trees, shrubs, and hardy perennials to establish before the hot and dry summer. Nurseries often offer plant sales during the fall.
13)	Use organic gardening techniques, including compost and organic sources of fertilizer, to supply nutrients to plants. Try spraying insect infestations with a forceful spray of water before resorting to pesticides.
14)	Use 2-4 inches of mulch to reduce weeds and the need to water. Recycle leaves and grass clippings by composting or using as mulch. .