Keeping The Woodlands beautiful, naturally, with streetscape maintenance

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- As wildflowers begin to bloom in and around The Woodlands, residents may have questions regarding streetscape maintenance in the community.

The Woodlands Township maintains approximately 663 landscaped neighborhood entries and over 300 miles of road right-of-way through a combination of contracted services and in-house crews. The maintenance philosophy is to be “in harmony with nature,” leaving as much as possible to the progression of Mother Nature while meeting the adopted standards for each area. For example, neighborhood entries with improved landscapes such as groundcovers and irrigated grass are maintained approximately every 11 days year-round.

The emergence of wildflowers in February or March usually signals the start of roadside mowing on Town-wide roads (such as Lake Woodlands, Gosling and Kuykendahl) and collector streets (such as Timarron, Sylvan Forest and Millbend). To help ensure viable future stands of wildflowers, during the first few cycles roadsides and medians are “sculpture mowed” around the margin to maintain sightlines and prevent encroachment on curbs while showcasing native blooms. After the wildflower season, roadways are mowed on approximately a two-week cycle, dependent on weather conditions, for a total of 18 times per year.

When weather conditions bring high temperatures, rain, humidity, and long growing days, roadsides can develop a “shaggy” or unkempt appearance. This is often due to Bahia grass (Bah- HEE- yah), which can grow more than one foot high in less than a week. It is easily identified by its prominent V-shaped blade and seed head that can reach 30 inches. While this grass may appear unattractive in certain locations, there are benefits to this grass. Bahia limits soil erosion, requires no supplemental water or fertilizer, and provides cover for wildflowers. In this way, the Township balances seasonal aesthetics with maintenance practices that are “in harmony with nature.”

The Woodlands Township encourages residents to enjoy the natural beauty of The Woodlands. For additional information, please call 281.210.3900 or email jdavis@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.