Robin L
enthusiast
Posts: 838
Reg: 12-19-07
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04-18-14 09:11 AM - Post#167701
I was hoping to add a thin layer of a topsoil-manure mixture over my Bermuda grass as a way to amend the soil and help the grass grow stronger. There are some bare spots and had hoped to toss some grass seed down. However, in the current Stage 3 Restrictions, extra watering for new grass plantings at existing homes isn't allowed. How is everyone else handling this? Leaving the bare patches bare? Is anyone amending the soil? Should I just leave it alone and allow nature to be nature? Should I invest in at least the top soil layer? Last year someone in the neighborhood did a thin layer of manure over their lawn, and it looks FANTASTIC! I was hoping to achieve similar results; won't be the same since my lawn is pretty bad, but adding nutrients couldn't hurt, right?
Edited by Robin L on 04-18-14 12:12 PM. Reason for edit: Misread no new grass vs no extra watering for new grass
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jogo
enthusiast
Posts: 1475
Reg: 08-31-05
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04-18-14 11:14 AM - Post#167702
In response to Robin L
Wow, I actually did not know that (no new sod at existing homes). I know some people in our neighborhood put out new sod awhile back so I thought it was allowed. Our grass developed some type of lawn disease last summer and our fertilizer guy suggested to wait until this spring to see if it would come back. Well, it's not going to apparently and we have some pretty ugly bare spots in our yard. I guess we'll just let the weeds take over because at least they're green!
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Robin L
enthusiast
Posts: 838
Reg: 12-19-07
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04-18-14 12:11 PM - Post#167703
In response to jogo
I need to edit that. I went to the City website to post it and can't find it specific, so I went to my email from our Association Manager, sent from the City to her (I'm currently on my neighborhood's HOA Board), and it stated "Please remember: There is not additional watering (or variances) allowed for new landscaping or sod replacement in existing homes or commercial properties during Stage 3 with spray irrigation systems."
I initially read that to mean we can't plant new stuff. BUT after rereading, I believe it means we can't use additional WATER when planting new stuff. Oops! Mistake on my end.
In any case, that means I can't water seed or sod the way they would need to be watered, so...still in the same spot.
I agree - at least the weeds are green! ;)
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jogo
enthusiast
Posts: 1475
Reg: 08-31-05
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04-18-14 12:29 PM - Post#167704
In response to Robin L
This is what I read on the city website:
I want to replace my lawn with sod, can I hand water it until it is established? No! During Stage 3 water restrictions, you are limited to one day per week to water your lawn either by hand, sprinklers or automatic irrigation system from April 1 through October 31. It would be best to wait to re-sod the lawn once Stage 3 water restrictions are over. The use of erosion control mats, compost, and/or mulch may be an alternative to hold the soil until the lawn may be reestablished.
So, the same as you, while it's not specifically banned, unless you can give it extra water, new sod is just going to be a waste of time and money right now. I had actually already gotten a bid from one place and thought it was too high so I told them no thanks.
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Robin L
enthusiast
Posts: 838
Reg: 12-19-07
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04-18-14 12:32 PM - Post#167706
In response to jogo
Yea, we went another route - more like xeriscaping - for our lawn this year, but there are still some patches that need help. Luckily our Board is understanding and has chosen to "overlook" bare spots and poor lawns this year due to the restrictions. As long as the "weeds" are mowed and edged, we are all good ;)
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 9241
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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04-18-14 02:43 PM - Post#167711
In response to Robin L
Adding organic matter to your lawn is a great idea. It will help your lawn retain moisture better in addition to fertilizing it. Texas Pure Products has a top dressing that is perfect for this type of application. It is finer than the regular compost and will fill in between the blades of grass more easily. They do deliver. http://egov.plano.gov/PureProducts/default.aspx
Allen Garden Club
www.allengardenclub.org
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." - Mother Teresa |
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Don4
enthusiast
Posts: 523
Loc: Allen 1993
Reg: 04-11-06
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04-18-14 06:02 PM - Post#167716
In response to jogo
Just a reminder, we're still under the once every other week watering restrictions.
Link to Water Restrictions
Edited by Don4 on 04-18-14 06:05 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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DrivinTooFast
enthusiast
Posts: 1874
Reg: 02-20-08
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04-20-14 03:28 PM - Post#167727
In response to Don4
Green concrete might be an option.
The stadium will not be using its artificial turf for a while, maybe you can borrow it until the drought breaks
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jogo
enthusiast
Posts: 1475
Reg: 08-31-05
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04-20-14 03:57 PM - Post#167728
In response to DrivinTooFast
The stadium will not be using its artificial turf for a while, maybe you can borrow it until the drought breaks
Great AISD fundraising idea - sell some astroturf to those of us who like green lawns and raise some money to fix the cracks! 
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Robin L
enthusiast
Posts: 838
Reg: 12-19-07
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04-28-14 10:26 PM - Post#168086
In response to denisew
Adding organic matter to your lawn is a great idea. It will help your lawn retain moisture better in addition to fertilizing it. Texas Pure Products has a top dressing that is perfect for this type of application. It is finer than the regular compost and will fill in between the blades of grass more easily. They do deliver. http://egov.plano.gov/PureProducts/default.aspx
Thanks for that link. The stuff we used from Home Depot, some soil conditioner a lady suggested, isn't helping. :(
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StacyLynn624
enthusiast
Posts: 1091
Loc: West Side
Reg: 09-24-04
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04-29-14 10:26 PM - Post#168115
In response to Robin L
We just moved into an existing home that wasn't maintained very well. We've cleared out the area where the lawn is supposed to be, but now we have dirt since we can't plant any grass. We also have huge bare patches in the front yard where we need to plant grass but can't because of the water restrictions. I hope my kids like playing in dirt instead of on a lawn this summer. Of course, that means more frequent baths. Not sure which uses less water...
I hope that, in addition to needed rain, we get some restrictions loosened when the Texoma Pipeline comes online in June. After 6 years of this, people are going to need to do maintenance to existing lawns/landscaping and pools. It's not so easy to just xeriscape in some of the neighborhoods in Allen, and existing pools are going to need to be replastered/water refreshed.
Edited by StacyLynn624 on 04-29-14 10:29 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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acs0815
member
Posts: 96
Reg: 05-24-05
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04-29-14 10:35 PM - Post#168117
In response to StacyLynn624
Did they extend the Stage 3 every other week watering restrictions past April 30?
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 9241
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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04-30-14 07:25 AM - Post#168119
In response to acs0815
I looked at the city website under water conservation and did not see any specific decisions to continue into May, but the last announcement did say that if we do not receive sufficient rainfall in April, the current water restrictions will go into May. So, be prepared to continue the every two week watering schedule.
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 9241
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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04-30-14 07:33 AM - Post#168120
In response to denisew
I just saw this posted on another site:
North Texas Municipal Water District voted last week to continue with once every two week watering through May. The lake still remains at almost 12 feet below conservation stage, in spite of the rainfall that has occurred. We still have a 5 % chance of moving into Stage 4 water restrictions later this summer or fall if rainfall does not help with the conservation level in the lake
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catlady
enthusiast
Posts: 688
Loc: allen tx
Reg: 03-22-02
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04-30-14 02:08 PM - Post#168133
In response to denisew
My yard looks like crap to me - but it's not the worse one on the street. I too need to resod some grass but didn't because of the water restrictions. Got a wonderful quote from Cititurf and once this is over they will get my business.
A dog looks at you and says "You take care of me. You must be a god".
A cat looks at you and says "You give me food and shelter. I must be a god". |
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ConserveNature
enthusiast
Posts: 174
Reg: 10-15-05
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04-30-14 07:00 PM - Post#168144
In response to denisew
Front page of city site, right side, says water restrictions for Stage 3 continue into May. If you read further (hopefully by link below), you'll get a map and calendar as to when you can water in May.
http://cityofallen.org/DocumentCenter/View/1 235
Edited by ConserveNature on 04-30-14 07:10 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 9241
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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04-30-14 07:50 PM - Post#168146
In response to ConserveNature
Thanks for providing that link.
I wouldn't worry too much about the lawn. I think saving trees and the home foundations are much more important than a patch of green grass.
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StacyLynn624
enthusiast
Posts: 1091
Loc: West Side
Reg: 09-24-04
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05-01-14 10:26 AM - Post#168159
In response to catlady
I've had a couple of quotes too.
Our trees are fine, as we live on a creek, but we would like our kids to be able to play in some grass in our yard this summer, like we did when we were kids. One of the reasons we bought this house was because of the size of the potential yard. We have to worry about soil erosion being on the creek, so not having ground cover is a problem.
For us, it's getting to be a quality of life issue.
I'm pretty sure we could have a 40 days/40 nights of rain situation, and still be under Stage 3. In my past dealings with the water conservation department in Allen, they don't want you to bathe or drink a glass of water. They want Allen to make up for the entire district.
The lake is low, and that's because of rain, but if the District had properly planned for population growth a decade or more ago, we wouldn't have these problems. The City treats it like its the citizens fault, when its really not.
The pipeline from Texoma will help tremendously. I'm hoping to be able to plant grass once that's online, but I'm sure the NTMWD and the City will treat it like a drop in the bucket and not change anything.
The pool maintenance for existing pools is another issue. You're supposed to drain and refresh your water every 5 years or so. We didn't ever do it in our old house (we lived there for 10 years), but you are supposed to do that. Also, you're supposed to replaster every 10-15 years. I would imagine that there are lots of pools in Allen built around 1995-2000 that are in desperate need of this maintenance.
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ConserveNature
enthusiast
Posts: 174
Reg: 10-15-05
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05-04-14 01:01 PM - Post#168300
In response to StacyLynn624
Can't tell exactly what Frisco's Stage 3 is but appears to be once a week. Their site mentions Stage 3 started November 1, 2013. However, it also mentions they are following "NTMWD Water Conservation and Drought Contingency and Water Emergency Response Plan" which says Stage 3 is every other week.
Checked McKinney and they show Stage 3 but it's the same as Frisco.
Plano shows they are following NTMWD plan.
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StacyLynn624
enthusiast
Posts: 1091
Loc: West Side
Reg: 09-24-04
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05-04-14 06:34 PM - Post#168309
In response to ConserveNature
I'm not just talking about lawn watering, but all of the restrictions in total. Some of the cities are more lenient on pool building & draining for maintenance. Some are more lenient on spray parks or ornamental fountains. There are a lot of differences. Each town can make changes to the NTMWD plan.
I'm talking about the whole package. In talking with the Allen conservation lady, who was kind of rude about it, she basically made it seem like we need to save more/sacrifice more than all of the other towns. Like there was some sort of Blue Ribbon to be won or something. It was a little extreme. She really made me feel like we shouldn't be bathing or drinking water. Every drop counts! LOL
I saw all of the new sod laid in the medians of Exchange. Just made me mad. That sod won't even be used by anybody. Just looked at. They could have xeriscaped it.
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SB
enthusiast
Posts: 1551
Reg: 09-07-03
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05-04-14 08:02 PM - Post#168310
In response to StacyLynn624
The pipeline from Texoma will help tremendously. I'm hoping to be able to plant grass once that's online, but I'm sure the NTMWD and the City will treat it like a drop in the bucket and not change anything.
There are projections being made which do include Texoma water coming online in June. The past few years have seen a drop in Lavon water level of 5 to 10 feet during summer months. This year that would put us in Stage 4 - except that Texoma water may be enough to avoid that. Rainfall is unpredictable and we're in an extreme drought situation now so rain has been very scarce. You are right, some cities are not doing their part by enforcing conservation. Plans for new resevoirs have been in the works for decades. Plans have been made but progress is delayed by legal challenges. One challenge is that east a Texans feel their land is being taken for water resevoirs while our water district continues to have high use and weak conservation.
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StacyLynn624
enthusiast
Posts: 1091
Loc: West Side
Reg: 09-24-04
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05-05-14 08:15 PM - Post#168358
In response to SB
^ I've read that stuff too. I think its propaganda. Basically, as far as the NTMWD is concerned, they are never going to take us out of Stage 3. We could get an epic, Noah Style Flood, and we'd still have low lake levels as far as they are concerned. There is absolutely nothing that will get them to take us out of Stage 3. Nothing. They are dangling a rain carrot that you will never catch.
They're just trying to condition you into thinking that when Texoma comes online, that its not going make a difference, because they aren't going to let you know that it will make a difference. They want you to keep conserving even if the lake is full "because what if this happens again!!!"
What will really happen, there's enough water for everyone to live free on their private property and do as they please, but they'll send it down the dam and sell it to Dallas to keep Lavon Low.
We'll never be able to resod our yards, we'll never be able to let our kids run in the sprinklers like we did as kids. The City of Allen does not need to make up the difference for cities that aren't as strict. Why do they get to have less restrictions, but we have to sacrifice?
This whole thing boils down to poor planning by the NTMWD. Period.
Don't believe everything that you read from a governmental, or quasi-governmental agency. Enjoy your dirt.
Edited by StacyLynn624 on 05-05-14 08:18 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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catlady
enthusiast
Posts: 688
Loc: allen tx
Reg: 03-22-02
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05-06-14 08:42 AM - Post#168364
In response to StacyLynn624
the thing that gets me is the differences. Frisco can water once a week. My mom lives in Farmers Branch and has no water restrictions.
A dog looks at you and says "You take care of me. You must be a god".
A cat looks at you and says "You give me food and shelter. I must be a god". |
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SB
enthusiast
Posts: 1551
Reg: 09-07-03
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05-06-14 05:25 PM - Post#168383
In response to catlady
Continuing conservation, even after we leave Stage 3, is a good thing. "Propaganda"? Where does your distrust of everything government come from? Government workers are not the enemy. They are neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens who are affected just like everyone else by these regulations. Those cities who are not maintaining conservation efforts might discover payback if the water shortage gets worse and conservation dictates become more extreme. Frisco is one but that shouldn't be surprising. Farmers Branch does not get their water from NTMWD. Have never heard of plans to sell water to Dallas. I know some cities have made arrangements to BUY water from Dallas should we go to stage 4.
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Cheatham Parent
enthusiast
Posts: 225
Reg: 01-23-11
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05-06-14 10:16 PM - Post#168388
In response to SB
From I can tell, Allen isn't doing a very strong enforcement of the updated restrictions. Tons of homes are watering on the wrong days in my neighborhood.
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Mrs. Tex
enthusiast
Posts: 351
Loc: Allen
Reg: 11-01-07
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05-07-14 11:14 AM - Post#168392
In response to Cheatham Parent
Reid Farm getting TICKETS, not just warnings!!
Edited by Mrs. Tex on 05-07-14 11:14 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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StacyLynn624
enthusiast
Posts: 1091
Loc: West Side
Reg: 09-24-04
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05-07-14 03:29 PM - Post#168400
In response to SB
Where does your trust of everything Government come from? Why do you think the Government has your best interests at heart? I sure don't.
If you don't know that once the water leaves the dam at Lavon, it goes to Ray Hubbard and becomes City of Dallas Drinking Water, then you don't know much. The reason we have this situation is because the NTMWD is required to open the dam and give water to Dallas when we get big rains, even when Lavon is extremely low.
Do you think I'm a water waster? I'm not. We conserve a ton. In our old house, we never drained our pool (even though you are supposed to every 5 years or so), and we probably hadn't run our sprinklers in 5 years.
I just want to be able to resod my yard and do some pool maintenance. So now, we're in a new to us house that desperately needs this maintenance. I just want a yard! We have NO yard. Zero. Not even a speck of random crabgrass. Just a bunch of dirt and poison ivy. I want a yard. I want to be able to adequately water the yard to get it established, and taper off gradually to watering once a week or once every other week.
I don't think that's too much to ask.
And you are exactly what I'm talking about when we finally get out of the drought. That they'll never take us out of Stage 3 because "what if it happens again!!!!" Scare tactics.
Again, I don't want to waste water, or use a ton of water every day. I just want to be able to use the required amount of water, that I pay for, on my private property, to grow grass, have adequate landscaping, feed my trees, and do required pool maintenance. Plus bathe and drink. That's it.
I don't even wash my car.
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SB
enthusiast
Posts: 1551
Reg: 09-07-03
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05-07-14 11:17 PM - Post#168409
In response to StacyLynn624
MY, MY, MY
We are in a severe drought and so everyone has to learn conservation. Those big green lawns of the past may not be sustainable any more. A good landscape designer should be able to show you ideas of beautiful yard designs that don't have the water needs of a lawn. It is likely that water restrictions will be eased in June or July to allow once per week watering - frequent enough to sustain an existing lawn but unfortunately not really often enough to start a new lawn.
"I just want to be able to resod my yard and do some pool maintenance. So now, we're in a new to us house that desperately needs this maintenance. I just want a yard! We have NO yard. Zero. Not even a speck of random crabgrass. Just a bunch of dirt and poison ivy. I want a yard. I want to be able to adequately water the yard to get it established, and taper off gradually to watering once a week or once every other week."
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SB
enthusiast
Posts: 1551
Reg: 09-07-03
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05-08-14 05:52 PM - Post#168427
In response to SB
RAIN!
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lostyankee
enthusiast
Posts: 1336
Reg: 10-27-05
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05-09-14 09:55 AM - Post#168442
In response to SB
The politics of water in Texas is amazing. There's no consistency from community to community, it makes no sense.
I'm all for liberty and personal freedom, but if we don't start being smart with water, we're in trouble, not now but 20 years from now. We need to build more reservoirs now, not later. It's not liberal or conservative, it's just common sense. The math doesn't work under our current regulations.
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ELECTRA66
newbie
Posts: 14
Loc: Allen
Reg: 01-29-14
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05-10-14 11:01 AM - Post#168452
In response to lostyankee
I drive a route on Tuesday and Friday through Plano, including Willow Bend and it's amazing to me that they water their yards both days that I drive in the area and it seems to me they don't realize we're in a water emergency status!
Water just runs down the street from their sprinkler systems.
Maybe they think the water shortage doesn't apply to them..
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mspam3
enthusiast
Posts: 2379
Loc: Allen TX
Reg: 03-10-07
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05-10-14 11:54 AM - Post#168453
In response to ELECTRA66
And just think what's going to happen when 14,000 people arrive here to work at Toyota. We don't even have enough water for those of us living here now. If it's 14,000 employees then alot have families so that's even more people.
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StacyLynn624
enthusiast
Posts: 1091
Loc: West Side
Reg: 09-24-04
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05-10-14 10:31 PM - Post#168466
In response to SB
Seriously, when someone goes against what you think, or what anybody thinks on this board, you assume that they want to go to extremes. Do you think I want to turn every faucet on 24/7? Seriously?
No. I just want to do responsible watering to sustain the life of my family and my yard, as a proper homeowner should.
I know, like many others, that this is a phase that will soon pass. The drought won't last forever.
But, we've been under these restrictions for at least 6 years, and those people who have put off maintenance that requires a bit more water for a short period of time, need to do that maintenance. We haven't been in the drought the whole time. Most of the shortage is because of poor planning. It's not like the Water District couldn't figure out how many building and pool permits were being pulled in each City.
My solution? Let those homeowners who need a variance for replacement sod and pool maintenance have the month of April or 30 days from April 15 - May 15 to do that maintenance. Maybe, if there was some rain in the summer, they could have the month of September (since we're past April this year - maybe we'll get a tropical system). They won't need to use the water every day for 30 days because it's more likely that it will rain in that period of time. Then, no more variances if we're still in a drought.
Fair enough?
Thanks for the respect of NOT resodding my lawn and complaining about not being able to do it the right way. I could be like some of my neighbors and just do it anyway.
BTW, when you get new sod, you have to water each stations for a few minutes every day for 2 weeks, then every other day for a week, then every 2 days for a week, and keep progressing down until you get to once a week or once every other week, if there is no rain. That's responsible watering for a new lawn. It would be like a $100 water bill. That's all I want to do, and it's not an extraordinary amount of water Its less than my bathtub is full. I'll volunteer to skip a bubble bath once a week. Sound ok now?
For all you know, I could be the world's biggest water conserver, I just want to water my lawn now. You don't know me. I probably save more water than you do in my everyday life. We saved a ton of water in our old house because we never watered our lawn. So all of that conservation that we built up, we just want to use a bit for 30 freaking days if it doesn't rain.
Can I cut back elsewhere to make up for wanting to water some replacement St Augustine? I have really long hair, I only wash it twice a week, because its better for your hair anyway. How many times a week do you wash your hair?
Edited by StacyLynn624 on 05-10-14 10:41 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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StacyLynn624
enthusiast
Posts: 1091
Loc: West Side
Reg: 09-24-04
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05-10-14 10:46 PM - Post#168468
In response to StacyLynn624
I forgot to add, I only drink one, medium sized glass of water a day. At bedtime. And if I have any left over in the morning, I use it to water indoor plants or my hanging baskets outside.
How many glasses of our precious water do you consume in a day?
Edited by StacyLynn624 on 05-10-14 10:47 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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StacyLynn624
enthusiast
Posts: 1091
Loc: West Side
Reg: 09-24-04
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05-10-14 10:48 PM - Post#168470
In response to StacyLynn624
If I get a rain barrel, can I have your personal permission to get a new lawn? For my kids' sake, of course. Its for the children. Aren't we all about the children here? Its my own personal rain water.
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Cheatham Parent
enthusiast
Posts: 225
Reg: 01-23-11
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05-10-14 11:06 PM - Post#168471
In response to StacyLynn624
I haven't contacted these guys yet but their website said they have expanded to Dallas. Could be a good alternative to draining. I have no idea what the cost might be and I would probably want some references to be sure they aren't selling snake oil.
http://poolservicestech.com/tag/reverse-osmosis/
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DrivinTooFast
enthusiast
Posts: 1874
Reg: 02-20-08
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05-12-14 09:04 PM - Post#168514
In response to Cheatham Parent
A six pack of beer per day and my landscaping is LUSH!!!!
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 9241
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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05-13-14 09:58 AM - Post#168530
In response to StacyLynn624
If you get a rain barrel, be sure to use the mosquito dunks in them to keep the mosquitoes under control.
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ConserveNature
enthusiast
Posts: 174
Reg: 10-15-05
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05-16-14 08:56 AM - Post#168591
In response to denisew
Some rain barrels do not require mosquito dunks since they are totally enclosed except for the screen mesh on the top. We received 1-2, actually paid for it, from the city for the Sustainable Landscape classes (How to Make a Rain Barrel). I liked the course and the barrel were only $50 minus the $25 that the city takes off on your water bill. Also have to check if state gives anything back. They are cheaper than the $100 I have found at a few places.
Edited by ConserveNature on 05-16-14 09:01 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 9241
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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05-16-14 09:17 PM - Post#168609
In response to ConserveNature
I have a couple rain barrels, but we had to cut a larger hole on top of one to make some repairs inside at one point (long story), so need to toss in mosquito dunks occasionally. We just have to replace a proper mesh top.
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StacyLynn624
enthusiast
Posts: 1091
Loc: West Side
Reg: 09-24-04
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05-21-14 09:41 AM - Post#168729
In response to denisew
Our HOA has a specific requirement for the type of rain barrel. I haven't looked into it yet, because we're in the middle of a master bathroom remodel (low flow toilet, shower head and all fixtures). We do have a gutter that was missing a downspout when we moved in, and it looks like the perfect candidate for a rain barrel, but we have to move the fence first.
Our gutters got totaled in the hail storm, so that's something we're looking into when we replace/add them in the fall.
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 9241
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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05-21-14 11:16 AM - Post#168737
In response to StacyLynn624
Good luck with all those updates to your home! There are some nice looking rain barrels available at the big box stores.
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