DLC Resources has compiled a library of landscape related articles written to help you manage your own yard. Some are seasonally specific, while some are applicable year round. If you are a resident, please contact your community manager to request an article or contact us directly.
Tree Care:
- Tree Planting
Planting trees can take place anytime throughout the year. Be sure to give newly planted trees plenty of water if planted in the summer. - Tree Staking
This article has an easy step-by-step that will help your trees grow strong and healthy. - Care for Young Trees
Now that your young tree has been planted and staked properly, you are left with the responsibility of caring for it. - Proper Pruning
Before you prune your trees it is important to understand the reasons and best practices for proper pruning. - Topping vs Pruning Trees
Many arborist say "topping" is the worst thing you can do to a tree. Find out why and the benefits of proper pruning. - Trees vs Monsoons
Heavy rains and strong winds associated with severe weather pose a significant test to trees that are less than two years old. - Acacia salicina
The Acacia salicina, also known as the Willow acacia, is very common throughout The Valley. Here are some guidelines to help ensure it grows successfully. - Chinese Pistache
The Chinese Pistache, Pistacia chinensis, is a drought tolerant, ornamental shade tree. This article helps you take care of your Chinese Pistache as it grows to maturity. - Catclaw Rust
You may have noticed brown clusters growing on your Catclaw Acacia trees. Read this article to learn more about this harmful fungus. - Flatheaded Borer
The flatheaded borer is a wood-boring beetle that can do major damage to your trees, even killing young trees. Request this article to learn how to stop these invasive killers. - Frost Damaged Ficus Trees
Ficus trees can be hit particularly hard by frost. Like other plants, you need to decide what to do with your frost damaged Ficus tree. This article will help. - Citrus Trees
It's not easy keeping your citrus happy! It is very important for citrus trees to receive the right amount of water and the right kind of nutrients. - Palm Pruning
It is important to prune palms correctly and at the right time of year.
Turf Care:
- Winter Lawn Preparation(a.k.a. Overseeding)
If you want green grass throughout the winter, this article tells you how. - Care for Your Winter Lawn
Now that your winter lawn is established, learn how to take care of it. - Turf Transition
When the soil temperature heats up in the spring, Bermuda grass starts to come alive again. Learn how to properly transition from Rye grass back to Bermuda grass transition. - Turf Aeration
Aeration is a valuable horticultural practice that is very effective in maintaining healthy turf for the long-term. For help understanding the Aeration process see this article. - Dethatching
The dethatching process is a perfect example of the saying "out of chaos comes harmony". - Consider Not Overseeding
Is your warm season hybrid Bermuda grass sparse, weak, or prone to problems? This article explains the top ten reasons why you should not overseed every year. - Nutsedge
Though Nutsedge looks similar to grass it's possibly one of the worst turf weeds to infest your lawn. Find out how to recognize Nutsedge and what works best to control it. - Artificial Turf
First seen in the 1960's, artificial turf used to be installed only at football fields, putt-putt courses and tacky backyard patios. Artificial turf has come a long way since then.
Irrigation:
- Water Management
Let’s conserve water throughout the year! This article has great tips for homeowners and recommended watering schedules. - Watering Guide
Many landscapers and homeowners tend to over water landscape material. This guide will help inform you about proper watering. - Low Water Plants
The majority of water consumed in the average home is applied to the landscape. With some attention to the basics and the best plant choices, you can reduce your water and still maintain healthy plants. - Uncapped Emitters
Ever seen an irrigation drip tube sticking out of the ground with water coming out and no plant to water? Request this article to learn more.
Plant Care:
- Shrub Management
The fall is a great time to cut back your shrubs. Request this article to learn more. - Plant Replacement
Different species and plant types adjust in different ways to their environment. Some plants thrive and some do not. Request more about the process of plant replacement. - Brittle Bush
One of the most common plants in the desert is the Brittle Bush. - Bougainvillea
The Bougainvillea, a versatile, evergreen woody vine, flowers several times throughout the year. Learn how to care for your Bougainvillea as its needs change from one season to the next. - Cacti
Cacti have an amazing ability to store water and adapt to new environments. Learn how to care for your cacti throughout the year. - Frost Damage Prevention
Frost can do a lot of damage to plants and trees in The Valley. This article shows you how to prevent frost damage. - Care for Your Ocotillo
Ocotillo is a slow-growing plant native to the Southwest region.
Weed Control:
- Weed Control Guide
Anytime we see rain in The Valley, weeds begin to appear. There are practical ways to prevent weeds from germinating or kills weeds that have already germinated. - Desert Broom
A tenacious weed is taking advantage of the growth we are seeing in The Valley. Request this article to find out more about to eradicate Desert Broom. - Spurge
Euphorbia supina, or prostrate spurge, is a low growing weed that forms a dense mat. Learn how you can do to control it with and without chemicals. - Saltcedar
Tamarisk, better known as Saltcedar, is an extremely invasive foreign plant that causes damage in several different ways. Request this article to find out more. - Buffelgrass
Across southern Arizona, an invasive, non-native plant has created a new fire risk and threatens to irrevocably alter our Sonoran desert.
General:
- Landscape Resources
There are numerous online landscape resources. This article lists the most useful online resources for the Southwest region. - Sight Lines
As you approach an intersection, you need to have a clear view of approaching vehicles, pedestrians and any other obstacle in the area. - NAOS
We hear the term NAOS, but what does it mean? Request this article to learn more. - Managing Monsoons
July and August find us squarely in monsoon season. While we welcome the summer rains, the vigorous storms that bring the rain do present some challenges for the landscape.