Earth-Kind Landscaping promotes a balanced ecosystem that conserves water and protects the environment through the judicious use of irrigation, pesticides and fertilizers. Earth-Kind Landscaping stands upon twin pillars: Soil Management and Plant Selection. Soil Management uses the additions of organic matter, which helps build soil structure to improve aeration and plant-available water, and shredded hardwood mulch to help control soil temperature, reduce moisture loss, and reduce soil erosion and runoff that can damage water quality. Plant Selection uses years of replicated, randomized research to recommend plants tough enough to contend with the harsh Texas climate while looking spectacular. Selected plants have shown they can thrive with no fertilizers, no pesticides, and only minimal irrigation. Combined, the twin pillars of Earth-Kind create a healthy, resilient landscape that consumes dramatically less water, requires minimal to no fertilization and pesticide usage, and promotes increased biodiversity including beneficial insects such as predator insects and pollinators.

Brad Voss is the County Extension Agent for Horticulture with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Collin County. In this role, he provides research-based information and educational programs to residents, landowners, and horticultural producers in Collin County. He holds a B.S. with honors in Agricultural Sciences and an M.S. in Agricultural Sciences from Texas A&M University – Commerce. His specialties are soil science and fertility, plant nutrition, and integrated pest management. Brad likes discussing the ins and outs of our Blackland soils and helping folks overcome the challenges they bring. Brad and his wife, Audrey, have two boys, Owen and Rhys.