UNL Extension Publications

Landscape Design and Care
Lawn Care
Watersheds and Stormwater Pollution

*Note: Most NebGuides are available in a web page html format. If you prefer to print these articles and read offline select the PDF version. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and print PDF files. All PDFs are 2-4 pages unless otherwise noted. You can download the current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader at no charge from the Adobe Web site.

NebGuide G1405 Landscape Sustainability
Learn how to use aesthetic, functional and sound design principles to create an environmentally-friendly landscape.
PDF version (338 KB)

NebGuide G1257 Mulches For The Home Landscape
Inorganic and organic mulches can benefit a lawn, garden or field, but must be understood before use if gardeners and landscapers want the best results.
PDF version (1002 KB)

NebGuide G1214 Perennials for Water Wise Gardens
Learn how to select drought-tolerant perennials to help conserve water, reduce watering maintenance and still provide multi-season color and interest.
PDF version (670 KB)

NebGuide G1691 Ornamental Grasses
Learn how to selection and care for ornamental grasses that are well adapted to Midwestern landscapes.
PDF version (619 KB)

NebGuide G870 Garden Compost
Learn what compost is, how it can be used in the landscape, and how to create compost at home.
PDF version (506 KB)

NebGuide G1121 Winter de-icing agents
Slick sidewalks and roads are hazardous. Deicers can help alleviate slick sidewalks and roads by lowering the freezing point of water, and causing ice to melt. However, deicers can affect plants so learn to use them wisely to prevent landscape damage.
PDF version (621 KB)

NebGuide G1074 Wildflowers for the Home Landscape
Wildflowers and native plants are not one and the same, but make interesting additions to Nebraska landscapes once sown, cultivated and weeded appropriately.
PDF version (63 KB)

NebGuide G1747 Trees in Home Landscape
Trees are important parts of home landscapes. Learn the functional and aesthetic benefits of trees, as well as their basic growth and maintenance requirements.
PDF version (1.15 MB)

NebGuide G1557 Planning Your Riparian Buffer: Design and Plant Selection
Learn how to plan and design a riparian buffer and select appropriate tree and grass species.
PDF version (444 KB)

NebGuide G1558 Installing Your Riparian Buffer: Tree and Grass Planting, Postplanting Care and Maintenance
Learn how to install tree and grass plantings for riparian buffers, postplanting care of trees and grasses and long-term buffer maintenance.
PDF version (700 KB)

EC1254 Home Landscapes: Understanding the Basics of Landscape Design
Basic principles of landscape design, including function, repetition, rhythm, unity, balance, color and proportion, and how to apply these principles to enhance your landscape. Well-illustrated with photos and diagrams that help the reader solve landscape challenges and develop a landscape plan. Cost is $6.50. Order at this link or from any Extension agency.

NebGuide G1774 Annuals for Nebraska Landscapes I: Flowering Plants
Learn to select annual flowering plants that are well adapted to Midwestern gardens.
PDF version (636 KB)

NebGuide G1775 Annuals for Nebraska Landscapes II: Foliage, Grasses, Fruit and Vines*
Learn to select annual plants, grown for foliage, vines or fruit, that are well adapted to Midwestern gardens.
PDF version (636 KB)
 

Lawn Care

NebGuide G1418 Turf in the Landscape
Turf can be a significant part of successful landscaping by reducing runoff, reducing glare and providing other benefits. Learn the environmental, functional and design benefits and uses of turf in the landscape.
PDF version (1.16 MB)

EC1557 Integrated Turf Management for the Northern Great Plains, Extension Circular
This 254-page book provides indepth information and "how-to" guides for every stage of turfgrass establishment and maintenance. It also includes identification guides and management recommendations for major pests and diseases. Request from any Extension agency or order online. Cost: $25.

NebGuide G870 Garden Compost
Learn what compost is, how it can be used in the landscape, and how to create compost at home.
PDF version (506 KB)

NebGuide G517 Kentucky Bluegrass Lawn Calendar
This calendar gives step by step instructions for Kentucky bluegrass lawn maintenance throughout the year.
PDF version (138 KB)

NebGuide G1617 Selecting a Lawn Care Company
Discusses reasons for use and critera for selecting a lawn care company.
PDF version (715 KB)

NebGuide G558 Web version only: Tall Fescue Lawn Calendar
This calendar gives step by step instructions for Tall fescue lawn maintenance throughout the year.

NebGuide G877 Zoysiagrass Lawn Calendar
The maintenance schedule for zoysiagrass.
PDF version (128 KB)

NebGuide 1618 Thatch Prevention & Control
Learn what thatch is, how thatch accumulation damages turfgrass sites, methods for removing heavy layers of thatch and preventing their reoccurrence.
PDF version (410 KB)

Watersheds and Stormwater Pollution

NebFacts NF631 Understanding Watersheds PDF only* (150 KB)
Watersheds are dynamic, complex webs of natural resources -- soil, water, air, plants and animals. This publication describes a watershed, how it works, how human activities can alter watershed functions and how best to manage watersheds.

NebFacts NF632 Protecting Your Watersheds PDF only* (69 KB)
Learn about the common pollutants found in watersheds and the best management practices to reduce pollution and runoff problems.

NebGuide G1859 Stormwater Management: Landscape Water Conservation
Focuses on water conservation and water runoff from landscapes and their importance to the overall issue of stormwater management.
PDF version (774 KB)

NebGuide G1848 Stormwater Management: Water Pollution and Our Own Yards
Describes practices to reduce water pollution and conserve water resources by reducing the amount of pollutants and runoff water that leave a property.
PDF version (713 KB)

NebGuide G1844 Stormwater Management: Pesticide Use in the Lawn and Garden
Explains how the proper use and application of lawn and garden pesticides can prevent potential water contamination from stormwater runoff.
PDF version (807 KB)

NebGuide G1855 Stormwater Management: Yard Waste Management
Describes ways to prevent organic waste through composting and other means in preventing stormwater pollution.
PDF version (569 KB)