Flowers, Shrubs & More
Roses
Lawn & Landscape
Trees
FLOWERS
HERBS
Suggested Herbs for Brazos County (PDF)
POLLINATORS
Suggested Pollinator-Attracting Plants for Brazos County (PDF)
TEXAS SUPERSTARS
ROSES
What are Earth-Kind Roses
Examples of Earth-Kind Roses
Taking Care of Your Roses
Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) is a devastating disease of roses. It makes the rose unsightly because of abnormal growth of the rose plant tissue. Symptoms such as witches’ brooms, excessive thorniness, enlarged canes, malformed leaves and flowers are associated with this disease. This disease has been reported since the early 1940s but only in 2011 did research demonstrate that it is caused by a virus, aptly named the Rose Rosette Virus (RRV). For more information and current research results, go to:
Roserosette.org
Rose Rosette Demystified (PDF Published 2014)
Rose Diseases (6 Page PDF)
LAWNS
Turfgrass is an important part of lawns and landscapes. A healthy home lawn can prevent erosion, reduce noise, add visual appeal and provide a site for family recreation. In central Texas, lawns are typically planted with Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia or occasionally Centipede grass. Lawns are the most “managed” portion of urban and commercial landscapes. Turfgrass needs to be mowed, watered, fertilized and sometimes needs management of weeds, insects and diseases. That’s a big investment of time and resources, so to help you out, here are some publications and also, our Extension website.
Turf – Timely Tips for the Brazos Valley:
When to water?
Deeply and infrequently during the growing season, 4am to 9am and only if needed.
Do lawns need fertilization?
Maybe, soil test to find out and if yes, exactly what and how much to apply.
When to fertilize?
If needed, after April 1 and by early October.
When to prevent weeds?
apply pre-emergence herbicides late August to early September and mid-February to early March. Note that time varies based on location and weather conditions.
When to manage weeds?
When they are small and immature, but first identify the weed and use an appropriate herbicide, carefully following label directions.
When to mow?
As needed and avoid removing more than 1/3 of the total turfgrass height at one time.
Helpful Links:
Grass Selection for Texas(PDF)
10 Ways to make your Landscape Earth-Kind (PDF)
All About Bermuda Grass
Bermuda Grass Lawn Management Calendar (PDF)
St. Augustine Grass
Zoysiagrass
Turfgrass Weeds
Lawn Care
10 Point Checklist – Lawn Fertilization (PDF)
Fertilization for Warm Season Turfgrass (PDF)
St. Augustinegrass Lawn Management (PDF)
St Augustine Management Calendar (PDF)
Common Lawn Problems – Weeds & More
Southern Chinch Bugs in Lawns (PDF)
White Grub Identification and Control (PDF)
Weed Management – herbicide selection (12 page PDF)
Preemergence Herbicide Guide (PDF)
Videos
BEST WATERING PRACTICES:
Cycle-soak method of watering lawns video click here.
TREES
Helpful Links:
Suggested Trees for Brazos County (PDF)
Suggested Landscape Plants, Trees and Shrubs for Brazos County (PDF)
Texas Forest Service Tree Planting Guide
Watering Yard Trees In Drought (PDF)
Native Trees of Texas
How Do I Care for my Trees – Mulching (PDF)
Planting and Establishing Trees (PDF)
Tree Pests
Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (PDF)
Bagworms (PDF)
Post Oak Tree Problems – (PDF)
Gall Making Insects & Pests (PDF)
Ball Moss, Spanish Moss (PDF)
INFORMATIONAL VIDEOS RELATED TO DROUGHT:
Tree Watering Tips Video: