City of Davis, CA
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Nov 14
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Got cartons? Starting in December, there will be a drop-off location in Davis where people can bring empty and rinsed cartons for recycling. More information coming soon!
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When water flows down the street gutter and into a storm drain, it enters a series of underground pipes that carry the water away from properties and streets. This storm drain system is designed to protect the City from flooding by conveying stormwater to detention ponds, drainage channels and lift stations, then out to local waterways and the ocean. In portions of Davis north of I-80, most stormwater flows directly from the streets to local ponds (West Area Pond, Evergreen Pond, Julie Partansky Pond, Sutter Davis Hospital Pond, the Cannery Pond and the Core Area Pond), then through drainage channels to the Willow Slough Bypass, then out to the Yolo Bypass, the Sacramento River and the ocean. In portions of Davis south of I-80, the stormwater flows through various drainage channels and then is pumped into the Yolo Bypass. Unlike wastewater that goes down the drains inside a home (via sinks, showers, toilets, etc.), stormwater is not treated and is one of the leading causes of water pollution in the United States. When stormwater carries pollutants (such as dirt, trash, animal waste, oil, gas, fertilizers, pesticides, metals, etc.) to our local water bodies, it not only harms aquatic plants and animals, but can also cause adverse effects on our use of water for swimming, fishing, drinking and agriculture. Because of these factors, it’s important to remember that only rain belongs in a storm drain. https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/public-works-utilities-and-operations/stormwater/pollution-prevention-at-home
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If you start to see large flocks of turkeys around town, it's not because the wild turkey population has grown excessively. It's just that time of the year when local wild turkeys form large foraging groups (instead of roaming around alone or in smaller groups) and meander around wider sections of town. It can be quite a sight to see a large flock of 40 turkeys in your neighborhood! Turkeys can be fun to watch, and they help to keep pests like slugs, snails, and cockroaches out of the garden, but they can also behave aggressively, tear up landscaping in search of food, leave a mess on sidewalks, and pose a traffic hazard when crossing busy streets. To encourage peaceful coexistence with our large, feathered neighbors, please do not feed the turkeys. Turkeys are able to find appropriate food on their own. Statewide, the wild turkey population is healthy and thriving. Here are some other ways that you can help to reduce conflict with wild turkeys in your neighborhood and around town: • If you use a bird feeder, keep the area below the feeder clear of fallen seed. • If turkeys begin feeding under your bird feeders, remove the feeders until the turkeys stop visiting the site. This may take several days to weeks. • If turkeys are causing problems in your yard, consider installing motion-detecting sprinklers. • If your dog has free roam of your yard, you’ve got a built-in deterrent. Wild turkeys typically will not enter yards with dogs. • If confronted by a wild turkey that has lost its fear of humans, an open umbrella or walking stick may help steer it out of your path. Turkeys rarely make aggressive physical contact with humans. Be assertive and dominant. Let that turkey know you're in control. • Avoid sudden stops or swerves when encountering turkeys in the roadway. If safe to do so, slow down to 10 mph and proceed. The turkeys will move out of the way. Find more tips on the Living with Wildlife webpage: https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/public-works-utilities-and-operations/urban-wildlife/tips-for-living-with-wildlife
Lawn Removal
While there are many good uses for lawn/turf areas like community spaces and active recreation, there are other alternatives to consider for turf that serves only an aesthetic function. A couple of methods of turf removal are outlined below along with additional resources. More details on the methods below can be found in the turf removal workshop slides from presentations the City has hosted. See the presentation slides and videos on the Water Conservation Workshops page If you have already removed your lawn, find more information on water-wise and environmentally friendly landscaping alternatives
Turf Removal Methods
Sheet Mulching/Composting
Sheet mulching/composting involves covering the turf with layers of cardboard or newspaper to exclude light and then adding layers of compost and mulch. This method adds organic matter to your soil and does not require the disposal of any turf. You can plant right into the area that was mulched/composted. The best time to use this method is the spring and to leave in place for the summer to use the available heat and light to help breakdown the materials. Occasional water may be required over the summer to help with material breakdown. Planting in the fall is best because the days are shorter and cooler and rain can support plant growth.
- Cut grass as short as possible
- Dig a "moat" around the hardscape to keep materials on site
- Cover the entire area with cardboard (used boxes or purchased rolls)
- Make sure the edges overlap so that no sunlight gets through the cardboard
- Wet the cardboard
- Cover with a layer of compost (2-3")
- Add a layer of mulch at least 4 inches thick
- Plant directly into the mulched/composted area after a few months (ideally in the fall)
Solarization
Solarization is the use of clear plastic to deprive turf of water and light. A version using black plastic to exclude light can be used for turf removal. The process involves covering the turf or soil with plastic sheets to let the sun heat it to kill seeds, weeds and soilborne pests using high temperatures. Solarization is an inexpensive option for turf removal although it does kill insects and soil organisms and leaves behind dead grass.
Physical Removal
Physical removal is often the quickest way to remove a lawn by physically cutting the sod into strips with a sod cutter. The sod can be rolled and removed or can be turned over to compost in place. Cut sod can also be laid upside down to create a mound, as fill for a low spot or to create a berm. Sod cannot be placed in yard material piles. Small quantities of sod can be placed in your organics bin, but it cannot exceed the weight limit on the carts: 300 lbs. for 95-gallon carts, 220 lbs. for 65-gallon carts and 125 lbs. for 35-gallon carts. Sod can be placed in your backyard compost bin (more information about composting If sod is dried in the sun for a few days, you should be able to shake off the dirt and the remaining grass can be placed in your organics bin. Sod can also be taken to the Yolo County Central Landfill (fees may apply) or a bin can be rented from Recology Davis (fees apply).
Resources on Lawn Removal Techniques
Sonoma County Master Gardeners: Grass Removal Methods
StopWaste guide to the Sheet Mulching Process
UC Davis Arboretum Sheet Mulching Article
Yolo County Master Gardeners: step by step instructions on lawn removal