The Woodlands Township’s streetscape program

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- As wildflowers begin to bloom in and around the community, residents may have questions regarding how streetscape maintenance is structured in The Woodlands. 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). The Township’s philosophy for its maintenance program is in harmony with nature, leaving as much as possible to the progression of Mother Nature while meeting the adopted standards for each area.

The Woodlands Township’s streetscape program includes maintenance of 317 miles of road rights-of-way and over 650 community, village, and neighborhood entries through contracted services. The Township staff directly maintains 220 miles of pathways and 1,739 neighborhood cul-de-sacs.

STREETSCAPE MAINTENANCE BY TYPE

• Major Thoroughfares and Collector Streets: Roadsides are maintained with minimal intervention to preserve natural growing cycles. Wildflowers are seeded to supplement natural growth. The goal of the program is to complete 15 mowing cycles per year depending on weather events. Seasonal Maintenance (March to April): Major roads and collector streets are “sculpture mowed” two times to maintain sightlines and curb encroachment while supporting wildflower growth. Post-Wildflower Season (Mid-April to November): All roads are mowed every 21 days.
• Neighborhood/Village Entries: Landscaped areas with irrigated ground covers, plants and grass are maintained approximately every 14 days year-round.
• Pathway Maintenance: Crews maintain every linear mile of pathway with nine mow cycles per year, 52 blowing cycles per year, and two vegetation cutbacks per year (March to November).
• Cul-De-Sac Maintenance: Crews maintain cul-de-sacs larger than 3,400 square feet 11 times per year and cul-de-sacs smaller than 3,400 square feet, four times per year (March to November)

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 (Bah- HEE- yah) grass, 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 visit thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.