Yard Maintenance

Maintaining a beautiful lawn in The Woodlands is easy when you follow a few simple lawn care and leaf management tips that also comply with community covenants. Regular mowing, edging, and watering are key, but don’t forget about leaf management! Instead of bagging and disposing of leaves, consider composting them to create nutrient-rich material for your lawn and garden. Composting leaves not only reduces waste but also naturally enhances soil health, keeping your yard lush and vibrant. By using mulch mowing techniques and incorporating composting, you can keep your lawn looking great year-round while staying in compliance with The Woodlands’ standards.

Lawn Care

Follow these 10 easy care steps to maintain lush turf grass that conserves water resources and provides a safe play area for your family and pets.

1. Mow Regularly: Keep your lawn trimmed to a height of 2-3 inches for optimal health and to comply with community standards.  
2. Water Wisely: Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation, and follow Woodlands Water guidelines for water conservation. 
3. Use Native Plants: Incorporate native plants and grasses in your landscape to reduce water use and support local wildlife.
4. Fertilize Responsibly: Use slow-release, phosphorus-free fertilizers and follow the "Don’t Bag It" lawn care policy by mulching grass clippings.
5. Weed Control: Keep your lawn weed-free with eco-friendly herbicides or natural weeding methods to maintain a tidy appearance.
6. Edge & Trim: Regularly edge sidewalks and driveways to maintain a clean, neat boundary between lawn and hardscapes.
7. Remove Debris: Promptly remove leaves, fallen branches, and other debris to maintain curb appeal and prevent pest buildup.
8. Mulch Flower Beds: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch in beds to retain moisture, control weeds, and enhance the appearance of your landscape.
9. Limit Chemical Use: Use environmentally safe pest control methods to protect the health of the soil and local wildlife
10. Comply with Covenants: Always consult the Township's Covenant Administration Department before making any major landscaping changes to ensure compliance with community standards.

Leaf Management & Compost

Eighty to ninety percent of a plant’s nutrients are found in its leaves. As leaves fall to the ground, they decompose and these nutrients return to the soil. Composting is an easy and inexpensive way to increase soil fertility.

Managing Leaves

An undervalued commodity, leaves are an investment for the health of your landscape! Leaves bank 50 to 80 percent of a tree’s nutrients, yielding a treasure trove for plants. Reap the benefits of leaves by recycling nutrients back into the soil in these easy ways:

For Light Leaf Drop: Mow and Leave

  • Mulching mower works best.
  • Remove bag, close discharge shoot and mow.
  • A light layer shreds easily and decomposes quickly.
  • Improves soil by adding organic matter.
  • Efficient and easy.

For Heavy Leaf Fall: Gather for Mulch

  • Rake or blow leaves and pine needles into beds.
  • Greatly reduces weeds.
  • Conserves soil moisture.
  • Protects plant roots from temperature extremes.
  • Adds nutrients to soil as leaves break down.
  • Make Compost.

Collect Leaves in a Compost Bin

  • Add grass clippings, produce scraps, air and water.
  • In time, the mixture becomes crumbly, rich humus.
  • Use to topdress lawn and garden beds or mix into soil.
  • Improves physical, chemical and microbial properties of soil.

Compost Bins

High-quality collapsible C.E. Shepherd compost bins are available for $65 at The Woodlands Township’s Parks, Recreation, and Environmental Facility. The bin dimensions are 3.5' X 3.5' X 4', about one cubic yard. If purchased from a retailer, these bins sell for $200-$250. Find tips for assembling your compost bin. Call 281-210-3800 for online payment options or visit the Parks Department facility located at 8203 Millennium Forest Drive.

Pick-Up Times

  • Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Pick up at Town Hall, 2801 Technology Forest, The Woodlands 77381
  • Call 281-210-3800.
  • Last Saturday in September at The Woodlands Landscaping Solutions event.

Compost Recipe

Brown Stuff + Green Stuff + Air + Water = Recipe for Success!

  • Place composting bin on bare soil in a convenient location near a water source.
  • Start compost pile with leaves and plant trimmings.
  • Cut kitchen scraps into small pieces to speed decomposition.
  • Bury kitchen scraps.
  • Keep material as moist as a well-wrung out sponge.
  • Stir or turn pile regularly to add air.

Free Composting Classes

Composting is natural recycling. Put your yard trimmings and kitchen scraps to work by creating nutrient-rich homemade compost in your own backyard. For one week out of each month, the Environmental Services Department is focusing on backyard composting.

Whether you are just starting to compost or are an experienced home composter, you can learn more about composting with these great resources. For more information visit our blog. 

The Earthwise Resources Blog

Lawn Care Resources

Here are a few helpful resources for lawn care, including tips on fertilizing, seasonal care and more to keep your yard healthy and thriving.

Back to top