Natural Landscapes and Open Spaces
Open space systems within public and private developments provide additional opportunities for resource protection and active or passive recreation, and offers benefits including enhanced water and air quality, improved habitat, decreased stormwater run-off, and enhanced desirable aesthetics of natural surroundings. This area contains resources applicable to the establishment and maintenance of natural landscapes and open spaces within our parks.
Pruning Herbaceous Plants
PennState Extension
A certain amount of maintenance is needed to keep a landscape looking its best. This minimal effort may mean the difference between landscaping that is mediocre and one that evokes many compliments.
Pruning Flowering Shrubs
PennState Extension
The correct time to prune your flowering shrubs depends on when they flower. Learn more about tips and tricks to maintain a colorful landscape.
Pruning Shrubs and Trees
PennState Extension
Here are some tips to follow when pruning specific plants, the best tools to use and some basic techniques.
Pruning for Utility Line Clearance
PennState Extension
This article explains why utility companies prune trees, what directional pruning is, how a tree should look after it is directionally pruned, and other options for trees near power lines.
How and When to Prune Flowering Shrubs
PennState Extension
This article discusses when to prune popular flowering shrubs and methods of pruning.
Chief Park Ranger
I Am Pinellas County
Sample employment video for parks. Meet Carol Gray, a Chief Park Ranger who works hard to keep the 47-mile Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail maintained for the approximately 600,000 residents and visitors who use it each year.
Soil Quality Information
Penn State Extension
What is healthy soil and how do we achieve it?
Community Garden Plant Growing Guide
Old Farmer's Almanac
Our Growing Guides contain everything you need to know about planting, growing, and caring for all of the most popular vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, bulbs, and shrubs.
How to Decide When to Remove a Tree
University of Maryland Extension
When a tree develops problems, it is frequently difficult to decide when to remove it. This article outlines important factors to consider.
How to Remove Tree Stumps
This Old House
Step-by-step process for removing an old tree stump with hand tools.
SAMPLE - Park Monthly Maintenance Plan
City of Greenville, SC - 2023
Sample plan to use as a template for maintenance operations
Grass Seed Shelf Life and Storage
Sportsfield Management online 11/24/25 and article provided by Sod Solutions
A resource for determining the viability of your seed.
The CPTED Movement (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)
National Institute of Crime Prevention
Learn how to better manage and protect your resources and enhance public safety.
Parks as Pillars of Sustainability
Clement Lau, DPPD, FAICP
With the right modifications and maintenance practices, parks and public spaces can help protect and enhance our environments.
Trimmers and Edgers
Sportsfield Management
A quick look at some new equipment options.
