(BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – April 22, 2008) The Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) and the Alabama Nursery and Landscape Association (ALNLA) are teaming up to provide customers with tips and techniques on how to plant grass, trees and shrubs.

Green industry experts say the key to the survival of any lawn, tree or shrub is the soil. “You must have quality soil to give your plants a solid foundation,” said James Harwell, ALNLA executive director. He said there are many methods a customer can follow to ensure that they have a good soil foundation.

Harwell also said a general rule of thumb for watering is to water deeply, but less often. He said many customers believe that watering everyday is a necessity, but it is not. He added that too much watering would weaken the plants’ roots making it less hardy.

BWWB recommends that customers consider planting drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees because those do not require as much watering and usually will survive a dry period without watering.

Mac Underwood, BWWB general manager said, "Purchasing drought-tolerant plants will save customers a lot of money and time, especially during a drought."

Officials from both groups offer tips on how to have gorgeous lawns, trees and shrubs without the task of daily watering.

Founded in 1951, the Birmingham Water Works Board serves more than 600,000 customers in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, Walker and St. Clair counties. To learn more about the Birmingham Water Works Board, visit www.birminghamwaterworks.com.

How-To Tips

One of the best things you can do for your plants is giving them a strong foundation with quality soil. Adding organic matter or soil conditioner is one of the most beneficial steps you can take to establish quality soil. The addition of organic matter loosens soil structure, allowing water to infiltrate and remain longer in the soil. In addition:

• Test your soil to determine its composition and nutrient needs. Extension offices can help with this, and kits are available at retail garden centers.
• Add compost or an organic matter to soil as necessary to improve soil conditions and water retention.
• Loosen the soil around plants so it can quickly absorb water and nutrients.
• Water plants deeply but less often. Frequent watering results in shallow roots and less-hardy plants.
• Contact a certified irrigation contractor or designer to help you create a total water management plan for your yard.
• Try Xeriscaping, which involves using plants that require less water.
• Decorate creatively with objects that do not need water such as rocks, bricks, benches, gravel and deck areas.
• Prevent and control weeds, which compete for water and nutrients.
• Consider planting drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need to be watered as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Call the County Extension Service or your local nursery for additional information.
• Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. Fertilizer applications increase the need for water. Use fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble nitrogen forms.

• Contact: Binnie Myles
• Birmingham Water Works
• (205) 244-4220