Thursday, May 07, 2020 10:08 a.m. EDT by Thomson Reuters

By Stephen Jewkes, Kate Holton and Muvija M

MILAN/LONDON (Reuters) - Can creative sparks fly through plexiglass? Is the water cooler chat a thing of the past?

Company bosses preparing to reopen offices shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic are contemplating radical changes to the workplace to keep staff safe.

Hand sanitisers and thermal scanners are just the start. Some firms are considering remodelling their offices to minimise the risk of a second wave of infections. Long rows of desks may be out, work stations sheathed with glass sneeze guards may be in.

As he prepares to return thousands of staff to offices across Italy, Davide Sala, Pirelli's HR boss, is applying practices already adopted in the tyre company's operations in China.

The changes included temperature tests, face masks and more space between desks that allowed the group to resume at least some office work.

"We're going to use the China model elsewhere," Sala said. "There will be more space for staff, fewer people in rooms and the layout of the offices will have to change."

Sala is looking at whether to designate staircases for entry and exit, limit lift use to one person per ride, introduce a shift system for lunch, stagger work times while also having people still work from home and re-imagining desk layouts.

"The real break with the past will be in redesigning the offices," he said.

China is ahead of most of the world in lifting restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the virus and Pirelli is one of many multi-national companies to have tested post-lockdown measures there.

How radical and permanent those changes are is not yet known, as scientists struggle to fully understand the virus and drug companies strive to find a vaccine that protects people.

But strategies deployed by companies including WPP , Rentokil Initial and PageGroup show how a typical 9-5 day at a hot desk in a packed building will not be resuming when governments globally give the green light for offices to reopen.

PACKED LUNCHES

For the world's biggest advertising company WPP, staff will return gradually and on a voluntary basis, Chief Executive Mark Read told Reuters.

"What we can say with confidence is that more people will be working from home in the future, and I think we can say we'll still have offices," he said.

Almost all WPP's 107,000 staff have been working from home since mid-March. In China, it has slowly introduced its 7,000 staff back to its 50 offices over the past two months after a four-week shutdown.

WPP has also adopted flexible working hours, limited the number of people in elevators and, with the canteen buffet off the menu, staff are bringing in their own food.

PageGroup, the UK-listed recruitment company, has set aside one entrance at offices in China where staff line up each day for a temperature check and to collect a mask, Rupert Forster, managing director of the China business, said.

It's also encouraging people to bring in their own lunch to avoid busy communal areas and is minimising large group meetings.

Those measures will form the blueprint for the management team overseeing the return of some 7,500 staff to other offices, Forster said.

It's a similar story elsewhere.

Since reopening its seven main branches in China last month, Rentokil's 600 staff stay in the office for about 4-5 hours a day, a spokesperson said. It has also rejigged seating plans, making sure there's an empty seat between each desk.

SANITISING OFFICE LIFE

International real estate company Cushman & Wakefield, which has overseen the return of almost a million people to offices in China, has come up with a visible workplace design to help clients prepare their employees for the 'six feet rule' of social distancing.

"It comes down to some basic concepts, things like coloured carpet or, in a less sophisticated or expensive application, taping off what six feet workstations look like. So it's very visual," said Bill Knightly, who works on the company's COVID-19 taskforce.

In some cases, they're proposing installing plexiglass or some other form of sneeze or cough guards to give additional insurance - a pandemic twist on the old cubicle model.

For workers used to interacting on open plan floors, sanitising office life and boosting remote working could limit their opportunity to swap ideas and weaken company culture. It also makes integrating new staff more difficult.

"What we have to watch out for is the unintentional creativity and watercooler discussions. You lose that, said Hauke Engel, partner at McKinsey's sustainability practice.

Some companies are seeking short-term fixes to get through the next few months.

"Companies are hesitant to invest at scale in what may be a transient situation," said Enkel. He declined to give a figure for the size of investment that may be needed.

But others are preparing for a more radical makeover of building design to ensure workplaces can still thrive alongside this virus and any future health threat.

That may mean more flexible layouts with breakout areas, more personal space and ventilation systems that clean the air and kill pathogens, according to Darren Comber, chief executive of British architect firm Scott Brownrigg.

Buildings may have bigger elevators, make staircases more pleasant to promote their use, and use paint, films and materials that kill viruses.

"If you need a mask, then you haven't dealt with the problem," said Comber.

At Pirelli, Sala is bracing for those kind of radical structural changes.

He estimates a staggered restart at the companys offices will take four months. Then the second phase will start with architects and consultants advising on how to remodel offices.

He thinks retooling factories was easier.

"Redesigning the offices is the real challenge."

(Reporting by Josephine Mason and Kate Holton in London, Stephen Jewkes in Milan and Muvija M in Bangaluru; Writing by Josephine Mason; Editing by Keith Weir and Carmel Crimmins)

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The return of the cubicle? Companies rethink office life post lockdown - WTVB News

Surviving the test of time is what all cars abandoned in barns are struggling to do, but as we all know already, only some actually manage to win the battle with age, rust, mold, and very often mice.

The fourth owner, who is now selling the car in an eBay auction, claims its still running well but it needs brake repairs as theres likely a leak that causes the pedal to go to the floor.

Theres obviously some rust here and there, and the tires need to be replaced, but theres nothing that the new owner cant fix. A closer look at these photos shows that the leather top is also peeling, and some upholstery work is required, but the owner says some new parts have already been installed.

The car has a new 1000 CCA battery, ignition coil, sparkplugs, points/condenser, and a couple other various small things to get it running well. It had not been running for many years prior to me getting it going, they say in the eBay listing.

I removed the dingy and mouse urine soaks trunk pad and backing to expose a completely rust free truck. Door frames, rocker panels and most of the body panels appear nice and straight. Carpet is decent without a ton of wear due to a lack of use, but the seat covers are shot.

This Continental comes with a 7.5-liter V8 engine and has 52,971 miles (82,248 km) on the clock, and the seller says they have been able to verify the mileage with the previous owners.

At the time of writing, the highest bid is $3,500, so theres a chance this 69 Lincoln Continental could find a new owner at a really surprising price.

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This 1968 Lincoln Continental Barn Find Has Truly Survived the Test of Time - autoevolution

BOLTON - It won't be a traditional graduation by any stretch of the imagination, but a group consisting of parents, students and faculty are planning a multi-part celebration.

With the first choice of date as June 14, and second as June 21, Acting Principal Steve Cullinane told the School Committee Wednesday night that the group is hoping to plan a parade from the Bolton Office Park to Nashoba Regional High School. Cars would pull up in front of the school and graduates could receive diplomas and stop for a family picture. The event could be recorded for a video keepsake for students.

Cullinane said the tentative plan is to have seniors come to the school June 2 to collect caps and gowns, as well as yearbooks and transcripts, which would be "practice for the graduation."

Nurse Coordinator Lesa Breault-Gulbicki said later in the meeting that she had been providing some advice to the graduation planning group and was glad they made changes to the initial suggestion, which would have been a gathering of cars at the fairgrounds, which would have been difficult depending on whether there was any loosening of the social distancing regulations. Currently, the state is still under the 10 person maximum rule.

Breault-Gulbicki said the state is still in the red zone, based on infection rates.

Cullinane said other changes have gone forward based on what students may be missing out on due to the coronavirus shutdowns.

The junior prom had to be cancelled this spring, but the committee is looking at gathering the current juniors together for an October senior prom, while holding a spring junior prom for next year's juniors.

Cullinane said the staff is also planning a fun virtual prom soon to keep students engaged.

Currently, the high school is working on attendance and reaching out to students not participating in remote learning. He said many have individual reasons, including sick family members at home or students that need to work to help their families. The staff is working with students on an individual basis.

This school year, grades will be based on the first semester, with the second semester pass/fair, Cullinane said. The staff did study whether students would fare better or worse if work turned in was accepted for grades in the third quarter, but found that what was done "would have hurt more than it helped" with 75 to 80 percent of the students not doing better in that system.

"Colleges have been very understanding," Cullinane said. "Even military academies are accepting that this is a blip on the radar."

The school is being liberal with dealing with students, including looking at work study credit for those who have to work.

"I don't see many failing," Cullinane said.

Building status

Director of Facilities Rob Frieswick said his staff is checking buildings seven days a week and working on small projects.

With the commissioner of education being "adamant that nothing open before May 18," Superintendent of Schools Brooke Clenchy said the district cannot gear up much early. "We are rule followers."

Frieswick said when they come back, there will be no more than two people in the same area and they will practice social distancing wearing personal protection equipment. Starting the week of May 11, his staff will work split shifts, Mondays through Thursdays, in the school buildings, with a one-hour break in between shifts to make sure there is no chance of people congregating.

For the week beginning May 18, the plan is for staff to return to 40-hour work weeks with custodians working in larger areas and with the staff to gather belongings.

"We are planning with the principals to have their staff gather belongings so we can put rooms to bed for summer cleaning," Frieswick told the School Committee.

Clenchy said cleaning out the buildings, particularly the high school, is a "mammoth undertaking."

The freshman class shares lockers so it is not easy to divide up belongings. At other schools, there are also shared lockers.

But, in the meantime, some stuff has gotten done. Extra cameras have been installed, as well as carpeting in the central office building.

Frieswick thanked the community for the support his employees have received, including gift cards.

"Be patient with the returning of belongings," he said. "It might take some time, but everyone will get their stuff back."

Food services

Thomas Houle, the coordinator of nutritional services, said he was proud of the work his employees have done, with 17 of the 21 members of the team working to feed students on a regular basis. The other four have been keeping up with online training.

Under a USDA waiver, the district has been able to work under a so-called "seamless summer operation," serving everyone in the three communities, ages up to 21, breakfast and lunch on a daily basis.

Pick-up locations in the three towns are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; students or family members can pick up two breakfasts and two lunches each on Mondays and Thursdays, and three breakfasts and lunches Fridays, to take them through the weekend.

Meals are available, free of charge, at the front entrance to Lancaster's Luther Burbank Middle School,1 Hollywood Drive; Nashoba High School auditorium entrance, 12 Green Road, Bolton; and Hale Middle School, 55 Hartley Road, Stow, rear left entrance; all 11 a.m. to noon.

The program started with less than 30 students served a day. Now, the district is serving over 150. The program has received USDA food to help with costs, and has even been able to donate some produce to WHEAT, which also serves families in need in Bolton and Lancaster. The program has also received $11,100 in grants.

With the waiver, the district is getting reimbursement of just over $2 for each breakfast and $3 for each lunch.

Houle said, with the grants, the district has ordered new signs to tell residents about the program, new sealing machines to prevent leaks and coolers and ice packs to make sure hot food stays hot and cold food stays cold. Houle said the word is getting spread through day care providers and housing facilities.

Houle said the way food is provided to students will change going forward.

"In the next school year, we will have to think about how we feed children," Houle said.

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Nashoba looks at drive-through graduation, future film - Worcester Telegram

Companies are reevaluating the design of their office space to keep staff healthy and safe, and now, some businesses are introducing protocols that are reminiscent of the age-old office model cubicles.

In recent years, offices have evolved to become more open and collaborative, but with concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, this model will have to be rethought.

Cushman & Wakefield has come up with its own workplace redesign that will help employees abide by the six feet distancing guidelines.

It comes down to some basic concepts, things like coloured carpet or, in a less sophisticated or expensive application, taping off what six feet workstations look like. So its very visual, said Bill Knightly, Executive Vice President of Investor Relations and Treasurer and member of the companys COVID-19 taskforce.

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In certain cases, the company is discussing installing plexiglass or some type of sneeze or cough guard.

According to Davide Sala, HR boss of Italian company Pirelli, the firm will be adopting changes such as temperature tests, face masks and increasing the space between desks.

Remote and flexible working will still remain a large part of work life, with some companies allowing staff to return to the workplace on a voluntary basis.

What we can say with confidence is that more people will be working from home in the future, and I think we can say well still have offices, said Mark Red, CEO of advertising firm WPP.

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Open And Collaborative Office Plans May Be Reevaluated - ABCN's Officing Today

When you spend a lot of time indoors, as many of us are doing now, its easy to succumb to a sense of malaise.

Scientists, architects and others who study the concept of biophilic design creating buildings and interiors with cues from the natural world say theres a reason for that.

Humans have an affinity toward nature thats biologically embedded, said Bethany Borel, a senior associate at CookFox Architects, which has designed numerous offices with biophilic elements, including its own studio in Manhattan. If you dont have enough contact with the natural world, Ms. Borel said, there can be emotional and physical costs.

Biophilic design attempts to counter this by connecting people with nature, which can help reduce stress, improve cognitive performance, elevate our mood and have various physiological benefits, said Bill Browning, a founder of Terrapin Bright Green, a New York-based sustainability consulting firm established in 2006 with the founders of CookFox.

A recent study by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, published in the journal Environment International, supported that claim, concluding that biophilic interiors helped inhabitants recover from stress and reduce anxiety more quickly than interiors without natural elements, and documented a notable reduction in blood pressure.

So how can this help you survive an extended lockdown? We asked architects and designers for tips on how to incorporate biophilic design at home.

One of the most straightforward ways to add nature to a space is with houseplants. But dont just put a single orchid in the corner. Instead, try a little grouping of plants.

We respond differently to a group of plants together, Mr. Browning said. Environmental psychologists are theorizing that when we see a cluster of plants together, the brain says, Oh, look, theres a habitat, so this must be a good place for me to be.

It doesnt have to take up a lot of space: A few types of plants could be installed together in a terrarium.

Or, if youve got one big potted plant, create an understory, he suggested, with a small plant spilling over the side of the pot. That way it becomes a miniature landscape.

Those of us who have a checkered history with houseplants should start slowly and choose plants that are easy to maintain.

Sometimes, having a lot of houseplants around can actually make you feel anxious about taking care of them, said Rebecca Bullene, a partner at the biophilic design firm Greenery NYC, which operates Greenery Unlimited, a plant store in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. If youre killing plants all the time, it can make you feel really sad.

But no worries: There are a handful of plants that are relatively foolproof, said Adam Besheer, Ms. Bullenes partner at Greenery NYC. That includes ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), snake plants, pothos, Philodendron cordatum and aglaonema.

Clodagh, a New York-based interior designer who employs biophilic design principles in her projects, often uses jade plants for their simplicity. In our own office, we have about 60 feet of window boxes filled with jade plants, she said. Its very, very easy and helps clean the air.

To increase your chances of success, Mr. Besheer said, make sure you know how much water your chosen plants require over time, and that your planters have proper drainage holes. If your home doesnt get a lot of sunlight, buy a simple full-spectrum LED retrofit light bulb for a lamp, to serve as a grow light.

Indoor plants arent the only way to create a visual connection to nature. If you have a terrace or balcony, greenery outside the window works well. Or, you may be able to capture views of a park or tree down the street.

Well use mirrors to bring positive views inside, said Clodagh. If theres a tree, well use a mirror to bring a view of that tree inside.

Dried flowers are another option. Michael Hsu, an architect in Texas, commissioned a ceiling-mounted installation of dried flowers from the floral design studio Davy Gray when he recently opened an office in Houston.

I call it a flower cloud, Mr. Hsu said. You see a lot of green walls in offices right now, but they have their own challenges with lighting and water. This is easier to maintain, but still changes the mood of the conference room.

Photographs of natural scenes can also do the trick, Ms. Borel said: Even if its not an actual beach that you see out your window, it has a calming effect and helps to drop your cortisol levels down a little bit.

Adding finishes, furniture and accessories made from natural materials wood with an appealing grain pattern, for example, or natural stone can evoke nature, too.

We try to use natural materials with the least amount of processing possible, Mr. Hsu said. Its the architectural equivalent of eating organic food. With wood, we want to celebrate the grain and character of each species. It does so much for us, emotionally.

Part of the appeal is the tactile nature of those materials.

When Im sitting at a table that has a live edge, or some kind of articulation to the wood grain, I end up running my fingers over the edge of the table, Ms. Borel said. That subconscious connection with the natural helps us calm down a little.

Manufactured products like carpets, wallcoverings and fabrics that mimic patterns found in nature can have a similar effect.

Think of the honey locusts in Paley Park that create the amazing dappled light in that space, or the pattern of the water on the waterfall, Mr. Browning said of the Manhattan green space. Those are statistical fractals.

When fractals like those are used as decorative patterns on the things that surround us, he said, the immediate response you see is a reduction in stress.

If your home doesnt get a lot of natural light, consider adding lamps and light bulbs that provide various color temperatures and intensities over the course of the day to help keep your bodys circadian system in check.

People tend to gravitate to windows because you see the light change throughout the day, Ms. Borel said.

As humans, we have a cycle that is dependent on the natural lighting in our environment: Blue morning light helps us wake up and feel energized, she said, while the gentle, warm light of the setting sun helps prepare us for sleep.

If your home has a lot of static artificial light, it may be worth investing in adjustable bulbs, Ms. Borel said, from companies like Ikea and Philips, which make affordable options. At CookFoxs office, she said, the architects use Koncept Lady7 task lamps to change between cool and warm white light at their desks.

Water in the form of an aquarium or a small fountain can be another powerful reminder of nature.

The sound of water is clinically proven to help you relax, said Clodagh, who often includes water features in her projects, from private residences to apartment lobbies. Any kind of moving water is terrific.

The sound may also help block out distracting noises, like traffic or screaming children.

A small fountain, little waterfall or small, gurgling stream is by far the most effective acoustic masking sound, Mr. Browning said. The brain will focus on that and filter out most of the conversations or other noise in a space.

And it doesnt have to be complicated or elaborate, Clodagh noted: You can put a bubbler in a big steel dog bowl, with some pots of greens around it, and have your indoor garden.

Even with a wide array of natural elements, you may still feel the need to retreat from roommates or family members, like an ancient hunter-gatherer returning to a cave. If so, try to identify a cozy place where your back is protected, preferably somewhere with a low ceiling, Mr. Browning said.

In most homes, he noted, thats the window seat, the wingback chair or the four-poster bed its just that little space where you can tuck in for a break.

For weekly email updates on residential real estate news, sign up here. Follow us on Twitter: @nytrealestate.

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Cooped Up Indoors? Theres a Reason You Dont Feel Well - The New York Times

The Supreme Court has refused the petition seeking a stay on construction of the Central Vista project that aims to revive the Central Secretariat offices and the Parliament. In his refusal of stay, Chief Justice S.A. Bobde clearly mentioned there was no urgency for the project to commence and nobody was going to do anything during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite that, there was a strong reaction by the opposition, calling it a Rs20,000-crore project that overlooked the Covid-19 fiscal requirement. The source of this estimate remains unknown. There has been absolute transparency in the process and the official estimate is close to Rs7,600 crore. Considering that the Central government pays Rs1,000 crore annually as rent for its scattered offices, you can assess the projects efficiency in the long run. Add to it the costs for daily travel allowance, number of vehicles to be bought and maintained, and so on.

I believe the opposition party is aware that allocation and utilisation of funds takes place in a phased manner. The idea of linking the Central Vista projects funds and Covid-19 is a propaganda to defame the prime minister and the Central government when the whole world is praising Indian authorities for tackling the pandemic efficiently.

The Central Vista project will prove to be an extension to the identity of the nation. The infrastructure of the Parliament building, North Block and South Block has great history. But the structures are old and do not cater to the needs of the functioning of modern India. They will be turned into a museum for the purpose of sentimental value, but a new structure will facilitate smoother movement of information across ministries. The Central government offices are scattered across 47 buildings in Delhi. For example, the finance ministry is in North Block, but the CBDT and CBICtwo essential tax bodieshave their headquarters around 10km away in South Delhi. Also, the Central civil services rules mention the stipulated carpet area of office space designated to ministers and subsequent officers, which is not being met for most of them. The Secretariat has grown considerably over the years and temporary setups have been installed to accommodate staff within the corridors. There are not even enough rooms to accommodate all the members of Parliament. The number of Lok Sabha constituencies is also expected to increase due to reorganisation, and their staff deserve at least an office within the Parliament. The century-old structure poses a safety and security concern for all Central government employees and the data that is stored within.

The setting that we work in is more than just buildings. They are symbols of the autocratic rule by the tyrannical British government. The layout is the exact opposite of what a central law-making body of a democracy should look like. There are large rooms for senior officials, positions held by the British at the time, and barely any space for the subordinate staff that was mostly Indian. The whole system reeks of the Indian chalta hai attitude, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is strictly against.

Independent India could not afford to rebuild such powerful structures during its initial years. However, this was long due. After close to 75 years of independence, and with the withering of the colonial hangover, the project has more than just physical benefits. It will give a sense of Indian-ness to its citizens, who will be well represented by a structure that we can proudly call our own.

Lekhi is member of Parliament forthwriteml@gmail.com

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More than just buildings - THE WEEK

Radon Mitigation Technician and Crawl Space Repair Specialist

Employee Housing Available! $600 a month - Utilities included

READY. WILLING. ABLE.

Must be willing to perform other services the parent company SteamMaster provides including being on-call on emergencies when needed and on a rotation basis. Motivated and willing individuals will perform crawl space repairs, including insulation removal, mold remediation, drainage systems, and crawlspace liners. Must be willing to be on-call and do Restoration and Cleaning jobs as well. Certification with IICRC Restoration and Cleaning candidates will be given preference. Candidates with construction carpentry, installation of insulation, radon fan installation, and other crawl space and attic repair works will be also be given preference. 35,000.00 to $50,000 per year.

Email resume to info@steammaster.com , Call SteamMaster at 970-827-5555 or pick up application at 1901 Main Street, Minturn, CO 81645

Additional Details

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Radon Mitigation Technician and Crawl Space Repair Specialist at SteamMaster in MINTURN - Vail Daily News

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho May is Wildfire Awareness Month in Idaho, begging the question, are you prepared? Wildfires threaten lives, property and precious resources every year. Firefighters and emergency responders are needed more than ever to keep Idahoans safe, so please do your part to protect your home from wildfire. Steps taken now can reduce risk to first responders and your private property should a wildfire ignite.

Now is a great time to tackle home improvement projects as many of us have additional time on our hands. Consider making your property more resistant to wildfire. Take individual responsibility to reduce flammable material around homes and communities before a fire occurs to keep your families, property, pets, livestock and firefighters safe, said Fire Management Officer Joel Gosswiller.

To mitigate the impact of wildfire, maintain a low-ignition landscape around your home. This firewise principle can dramatically reduce fire risk, while still offering a beautifully landscaped yard. Achieving a low-ignition landscape does require some manual labor but doesnt have to be expensive. Get started by working on the following tips:

Fires need fuel, oxygen, and heat to burn. A low-ignition landscape reduces the fuel load both in amount of vegetation and height, which keeps fire at bay and reduces the risk of embers igniting the home. Taking the time to keep your yard clean and green can greatly increase a homes chances of survival if a wildfire occurs. Discover how you can make your home and landscape less vulnerable to ignition from a wildfire at http://www.idahofirewise.org.

Adhere to your state's outdoor burning guidance. Before burning, contact your local fire agency as smoke from open burning can cause unnecessary public health and safety concerns.

In case of wildfire develop an evacuation plan to ensure the safety of you, your family, and your pets and livestock. Learn more at http://www.wildlandfirersg.org

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.

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Do your part to protect your home from wildfire! - The Herald Journal

Allison Watkins, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Published 11:16 a.m. CT May 8, 2020

A healthy thick green lawn can provide lots of enjoyment and beauty to the home. Not every home needs a lot of turfgrass though.(Photo: Getty Images)

Lawns are one of the important foundations of most home landscapes, along with trees and shrubs.

A healthy thick green lawn can provide lots of enjoyment and beauty to the home. Not every home needs a lot of turfgrass though, and turf-free landscapes are becoming more and more popular.

Lawns tend to require the most labor and inputs in an average landscape, so reducing the total amount of turfgrass can be a good idea. But lawns dont have to be an enemy to the environment; efficient irrigation, good species selection, proper soil management and good lawn care practices can reduce the need for water, fertilizers and pesticides.

Its all about balance the Earth-Kind method would include all of the above, and also recommends reducing the total amount of turfgrass to about one-third of the yard area. The other two-thirds can include things like planting beds, groundcovers, shrubs, decks, pathways, etc. Besides requiring less labor and inputs, these features can make the yard more inviting, interesting and functional.

A turf-free landscape is a good option for those that dont need turfgrass.

There are lots of options that can help create a beautiful green, lush yard that conserves natural resources and doesnt require weekly mowing; and it can be done in a well-designed, attractive way.

Sprinklers should not throw a fine mist, but large droplets that make it through the air and into the soil.(Photo: rvbox, Getty Images)

Try an internet search such as lawn free landscaping to get visual ideas and inspiration. Flagstone pavers with small groundcover growing in between, more beds for perennials and edibles, and turf-alternatives such as mondograss or native grass mixes are just a few of the many ideas and options.

For those that do want to maintain a healthy stand of turfgrass, mowing and irrigation are some important tasks to focus on this time of year.

Frequent, correct mowing and proper irrigation have the biggest impact on the lawn staying dense and keeping out weeds.

Mow at the correct height (about 0.5 inch for hybrid bermudagrass, 1 inch for common bermudagrass, and 2.5 inches for St. Augustine), often enough so that no more than 1/3 of the height of the grass is removed at once.

Allison Watkins(Photo: San Angelo Standard-Times)

Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep rooting. One inch of water, once per week is sufficient in the hot dry part of summer, and once every two or three weeks is enough when its cooler in the spring and fall. Use an efficient irrigation method and consider converting sprinkler nozzles to a more efficient type if needed, such as a multi-stream nozzle. Sprinklers should not throw a fine mist, but large droplets that make it through the air and into the soil.

Allison Watkins is the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for horticulture in Tom Green County. Contact her at aewatkins@ag.tamu.edu.

Read or Share this story: https://www.gosanangelo.com/story/life/home-garden/2020/05/08/spring-lawn-care-and-turf-free-options/3091696001/

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Spring lawn care and turf-free options - Standard-Times

The Cincinnati Bengals are heading in a new direction behind newly-minted franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals drafted Burrow first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft after the signal-caller led the LSU Tigers to a national championship.

Burrow was given the franchise keys after the Bengals released Andy Dalton last week. He will have an upgraded supporting cast with playmakers A.J. Green, Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd and John Ross all healthy.

Green is the Bengals' biggest offensive weapon. After missing the entire 2019 season with a left ankle injury, the NFL veteran is ready to develop chemistry with his new quarterback.

Speaking with Bengals senior writer Geoff Hobson, Green is excited to help Burrow make the transition to the NFL and is willing to meet up and train whenever it's possible.

We've been talking back and forth, Green said. We were talking yesterday and I know he wants to get together and throw somewhere. I told him wherever he is, we'll come to him. I don't know where, when, how. It's all who can fly where and when. He's the quarterback. He makes his location and we have to get there.

Green is looking to get back to his Pro Bowl form. Since entering the NFL in 2011, Green has been one of the leagues best receivers. He has six 1,000-yard seasons and averaged 14.8 yards per catch in his NFL career.

He is also a touchdown magnet. Green has 63 career touchdowns and been reliable making plays down the field. His production will be beneficial to Burrow as he learns to decipher NFL defenses this season.

It's a process of trying to be great, Green said. You play this game long enough, you're going to have these bumps in the road and you have to keep fighting. That's where I am. Still fighting. I still love the game. I'm just ready to get back and play.

To prepare for the season, Green has kept up with Burrows success. He told Hobson that he has watched a lot of film to learn on his new quarterback. He knows that Burrow will bring energy to the Bengals locker room.

You have to respect his grind and his process the way he goes about his business each day, Green said.

Burrow is excited to work alongside Green. After dominating the college football landscape with 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, he will get to work with another elite-level receiver to help him navigate his rookie season.

The thing about the NFL is there's good players everywhere, Burrow said. A couple of injuries here or there can really change a season and change you from a playoff-caliber team to a 2-14 team. So, we have what it takes. Whatever they need me to do, I'm going to do it. Hopefully, I can bring something to the team that is positive and brings about wins.

The Bengals begin their 2020 season at home against the Los Angles Chargers. It will be the first chance for Bengals fans to see Burrow and Green on the field at the same time.

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AJ Green ready to develop chemistry with Joe Burrow this season - 247Sports