Our Tool Shed is a resource library designed for professionals working within all aspects of park maintenance. We continually research best maintenance practices from all industries to gather videos, articles, templates, and websites and store them in one place for our members. We spend the time to sift through the noise and provide you with valuable information when you need it, so you can focus on developing solutions. If there is something you need but cannot find, reach out and share your specific needs.
Building Sustainable Trails: Key Design Elements
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
This article explains designing sustainable contour trails that reduce maintenance needs while providing a good experience for visitors.
Establishing Streamside Buffer Areas in Your Park or Community
Bushkill Stream Conservancy
This document outlines a step-by-step process for establishing “No-mow” areas and naturalized buffers.
Dog Park Maintenance
PlayCORE
With the growing popularity of dog parks, maintenance is an ongoing responsibility affecting most parks and municipalities. This article outlines important maintenance factors to keep in mind.
Universal Access Trails and Shared Use Paths
Debra Wolf Goldstein, Esq. and Larry Knutson
This manual reviews Best Management Practices (“BMPs”) to utilize when planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining pedestrian trails for universal accessibility—for providing trails usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without separate or segregated access for people with disabilities.
Ultimate Guide to Creating and Managing a Water Budget
Jain Irrigation USA
This video outlines a step by step process to create a water budget, manage water to the budget, and how to communicate the value of budgets and water management with property owners and managers.
Sports Field Irrigation System Sprinkler Replacement
Gregory Scott
This video demonstrates how to replace damaged sprinklers and raise the swing joints on an athletic field.
How Do Irrigation Valves Work?
RainBirdCorp
Have you ever wondered how irrigation control valves work? In this short video, we'll take you on a tour inside a valve to learn about the parts and technology that help keep water flowing exactly when and where you want it.
How to install a sprinkler pipe / conduit under a sidewalk
iScraper1
Step by step instructions for installing a PVC pipe under a sidewalk using water pressure.
Sustainable Trails: Doing it Right the First Time
John Favro
When you construct or reroute a trail, you are putting a structure on the landscape that will be there, in good or bad condition, for 100 years or more in most places. So why not do it right?
Gardening Advice - Pruning Spring Flowering Shrubs
RHS - Royal Horticultural Society
See how and when to prune your spring flowering shrubs to produce beautiful blooms next year.
Biggest Pruning Mistakes And How to Avoid Them
joegardenerTV
Learn how to avoid the 3 biggest mistakes when it comes to pruning. Knowing how, when and where to prune is key when it comes to maintaining your trees and shrubs. In this video, Joe Lamp'l shows you how to avoid costly pruning mistakes, and what you need to do to keep your plants and trees looking their best.
How to Prune Landscape Trees and Shrubs
Utah State University Extension
Learn when to prune, how to make proper cuts and gain valuable insight behind pruning techniques for landscape trees and shrubs. Learn the do's and don'ts behind proper pruning practices.
Ask an Arborist: The ABC's of Pruning
Arbor Day Foundation
When pruning your trees, there are steps you can follow to ensure you are making the proper cuts and not removing too much off your tree. The rules of the ABC’s will tell you where to start, what branches to prune, and when you are finished. Follow these rules to help get you started on your tree pruning.
Ask An Arborist: What are the Rules of Pruning?
Arbor Day Foundation
This is part two of a three-part dormant pruning series. Watch part three, the ABC's of Pruning.
Ask an Arborist: Why Do I Need to Prune?
Arbor Day Foundation
explains when it's necessary to prune your trees and the difference it can make in the landscape. This is part one of a three-part dormant pruning series.
